Pickering Celebrates 25 Years as a City: A Journey of Celebration, Reflection, and Community

Pickering, ON, January 2, 2025 – This year, the City of Pickering proudly celebrates a significant milestone - its 25th anniversary of becoming a city. To honour this momentous occasion, residents and visitors are invited to celebrate, reflect on, and explore the vibrant history and dynamic evolution of Pickering - a place so many are proud to call home.

In recognition of its historic status as the first new city of the 21st century, Pickering officially trademarked the name “Millennium City” in Canada, a bold declaration of its forward-thinking vision. While the excitement of the millennium has since passed, these efforts played a critical role in helping to forge a new identity, vision, and sense of purpose for Pickering, laying the foundation for the dynamic, progressive, and leading city it is today. Pickering’s achievements have not gone unnoticed - it has proudly secured a place on The Globe and Mail's list of Canada’s 100 Most Livable Cities for two consecutive years.

Throughout the year, a special 25th-anniversary visual identifier will mark select events, programs, and communications. This design reflects Pickering’s natural beauty, architectural significance, and bright future, while acknowledging the storied past that predates its incorporation as a city.

Share Stories and Memories

Residents are encouraged to visit LetsTalkPickering.ca/Pickering25 to learn more about the City’s history and contribute their unique stories and photos. This platform offers an opportunity to share memories, both past and present, for a collective celebration of the journey that has shaped Pickering into the thriving community it is today.

Mayor’s New Year’s Levee

Kick off the new year with an afternoon of live entertainment and family-friendly activities at the Mayor’s New Year’s Levee. This year’s event will feature a special reunion of former mayors and councillors, alongside the current Mayor and Members of Council. Together, they will reflect on the City’s growth and achievements over the past 25 years.

• Saturday, January 11, 2025
• 2 pm to 4 pm
• Pickering City Hall 

25th Anniversary Banners

A specially curated art installation, designed by a local artist, will adorn the exteriors of Pickering City Hall and the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex. These temporary banners, expected to be installed in early Spring 2025, will celebrate Pickering’s growth and rich history. This artistic tribute will offer a striking and meaningful visual representation of the community’s journey.

Stay tuned for more details about this exciting project. Please note that timelines are subject to change.

Planting 25 Silver Maple Trees

Silver, traditionally associated with 25-year milestones, symbolizes strength and resilience - qualities at the heart of the community. To commemorate this milestone, 25 Silver Maple trees will be planted across all three wards, including Esplanade Park, in Spring 2025. These trees will serve as a lasting legacy, symbolizing beauty, sustainability, and growth for future generations.

“I am deeply honoured to pay tribute to Pickering’s rich history on this incredible milestone,” said Mayor Kevin Ashe. “My family’s roots are deeply embedded in this community. My late father, George Ashe, served as the first Mayor of the then, Town of Pickering, guiding it through a transformative era of growth. From drive-ins and sprawling farm fields to the dynamic city we see today, Pickering’s journey has been remarkable. While we have faced challenges, I am confident that, guided by our core values and strategic priorities, our community will continue to thrive and embrace the countless transformational opportunities ahead. Together, we are building a world-class city.”

From its transformation from a Township (1811–1973), to Town (1974–2000), and now City (2000–present), Pickering’s story is one of resilience, progress, and community spirit. The lands that make up present-day Pickering also hold deep historical significance, with roots extending hundreds of years before this milestone.

Join the Conversation

Follow @CityofPickering on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram to stay updated on Pickering’s most meaningful community stories from the past 25 years. Residents are encouraged to use the hashtag #Pickering25 to share unique memories and explore highlights throughout the year.

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As the gateway to the east GTA, Pickering (population 114,000) is strategically located where Toronto, York and Durham Regions meet. An award-winning municipality, Pickering is slated for significant economic and residential growth; offering an unparalleled quality of life for those who live, work, and play here. Its dynamic City Centre has been designated by the Province of Ontario as both an Urban Growth Centre and Mobility Hub, and continues to evolve as a preferred destination for creative learning, memorable events, and unique experiences at the heart of a vibrant, connected, and engaged community.