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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 9, 2026 - Special Council Addendum Special Council Meeting Agenda Electronic Meeting February 09, 2026 - 11:00 AM Chair: Mayor Ashe Please be advised that in accordance with Section 10.04 of the Procedure By-law, the City of Pickering is holding Council and Committee Meetings in an electronic format until further notice. Members of the public may observe the meeting proceedings by viewing the livestream on the HTML Agenda or the archived video available on the City's website. How to Participate Individuals looking to make a verbal delegation for items listed under Section 7 of the agenda may do so in accordance with the City’s Procedure By-law. In lieu of a verbal delegation, individuals may also submit written comments to clerks@pickering.ca. To register as a Delegation, please submit a Delegation Request Form by visiting pickering.ca/meetings. Please note that matters marked with an asterisk (*) have been amended or added. For inquiries related to accessibility, please contact Legislative Services Phone: 905.420.4611 | Email: clerks@pickering.ca Call to Order/Roll Call Disclosure of Interest In Camera Matters Matters to be discussed relate to the following provisions under Section 239(2) of the Municipal Act: (f) advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose; 1. 2. 3. (j) a trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial or financial information that belongs to the municipality or local board and has monetary value or potential monetary value; and, (k) a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local board. Confidential Verbal Update from the Chief Administrative Officer and Legal Advice from the City Solicitor Re: Durham Live Request for Letter of Support from Pickering Council Canada Soccer, Request for Information, National Training Centre Initiative Confidential Special Council - Public Report Delegations Steve Apostolopoulos, Managing Partner, Durham Live and Dwayne De Rosario, FIFA Legends Re: Durham Live Request for Letter of Support from Pickering Council (Refer to Item 5.1) Matters for Consideration Memorandum from Director, Economic Development and Strategic Projects Page 4 Re: Durham Live Request for Letter of Support from Pickering Council Canada Soccer, Request for Information, National Training Centre Initiative Recommendation: City of Pickering Council hereby provides its support for Durham Live to be a potential site for the Canada Soccer National Training Centre, conditional upon the owner being successful in securing an amendment to the Minister’s Zoning Order 164/24 from the Province of Ontario to permit the uses for the Canada Soccer National Training Centre; and, that the Mayor be authorized to provide a Letter of Support to Steve Apostolopoulos, Managing Partner of Durham Live consistent with this resolution. 3.1 *4. 5. *5.1 6. 6.1 Addendum Special Council Meeting Agenda February 09, 2026 - 2 - OR City of Pickering Council hereby does not provide its support for Durham Live to be a potential site for the Canada Soccer National Training Centre and that Steve Apostolopoulos, Managing Partner of Durham Live be notified of the same. Confirmatory By-law Adjournment 7. 8. Addendum Special Council Meeting Agenda February 09, 2026 - 3 - Memo To: Mayor Ashe and February 5, 2026 Members of Council From: Fiaz Jadoon Director, Economic Development & Strategic Projects Copy: Chief Administrative Officer Directors Chief Planner Subject: Durham Live Request for Letter of Support from Pickering Council -Canada Soccer, Request for Information, National Training Centre Initiative File: A-1400-001 In December of 2025, Canada Soccer issued a Request for Information (RFI) for their National Training Centre Initiative (see Attachment 1). This initiative invites municipalities, provincial and territorial soccer associations, postsecondary institutions, and other stakeholders to express interest in hosting and/or partnering on a future National Training Centre (NTC) for high- performance soccer. RFI is an initial information gathering step, not a formal proposal process or commitment. The goal is solely to identify potential host locations and partners aligned with Canada Soccer’s long- term vision. The submission deadline for this RFI is February 12, 2026. Steve Apostolopoulos, Managing Partner of Durham Live, has provided a letter requesting the City of Pickering Council’s support for Durham Live’s bid to host the National Training Centre on the Durham Live site (see Attachment 2). The Canada Soccer RFI specifically requests letters of support from the local Municipal Council or Regional Authorities, among other information, which is the responsibility of the “interested parties” (such as Durham Live) to provide by the submission deadline. Further, City Development staff have confirmed that the lands identified by the property owner for the proposed Canada Soccer National Training Centre are approximately 60 acres in size. These subject lands are located at the intersection of Church and Bayly Street, with convenient access from Highway 401 and from Highway 407 via Highway 412 or Brock Road. The site is well- serviced by public transit, with GO Train access through both the Pickering & Ajax GO Stations. In addition, the lands are less than one hour from Toronto Pearson International Airport, providing efficient regional and international connectivity. Durham Live lands are covered by four zoning categories. A map showing the zoning categories is provided as Attachment 3. CAO 09-26 - 4 - February 5, 2026 Page 2 of 3 Durham Live Request for Letter of Support from Pickering Council •The Northeast corner of the lands, north of Tribro Studios Avenue is zoned X70 (MTD H) – Major Tourist Destination Zone, with a Holding Symbol, by Zoning By-law 8149//24 (see lands coloured yellow on the attached map). This zone would permit some of the facilities associated with the proposed Canada Soccer National Training Centre. •Some lands north of Tribros Studio Avenue are zoned Mixed Use Major Tourist and Entertainment Zone by Minister’s Zoning Order Regulation 164/24 (see lands coloured purple on the attached map). This zone would permit some of the facilities associated with the proposed Canada Soccer National Training Centre. •Lands on the east side of Squires Beach Road, and in the southwest corner of the property, are zoned Mixed Employment Zone by Minister’s Zoning Order Regulation 164/24 (see lands coloured orange on the attached map). This zone permits business support uses, film studios, laboratories, manufacturing plant, medical offices, offices, software development, processing establishments, vehicle service facilities, warehousing and distribution facilities. This zone would permit some of the facilities associated with the proposed Canada Soccer National Training Centre. •The remainder (more than half) of the lands are zoned Natural Heritage and Open Space Zone by Minister’s Zoning Order Regulation 164/24 (see lands coloured green on the attached map). This zone permits the protection, maintenance, enhancement and restoration of ecosystem forms and functions, drainage flood control and erosion control. This zone would not permit any of the facilities associated with the proposed Canada Soccer National Training Centre. Approximately 30 acres of the lands in the Natural Heritage and Open Space Zone are significant wetlands that were to be conveyed to the Conservation Authority, or a public body, as part of the original zoning by-law amendment and the Master Development Agreement entered between the landowner and the City.The proposed Canada Soccer National Training Centre would require a zoning by-law amendment and a Minister’s Zoning Amendment to permit the use on the lands. Durham Live is requesting Council’s support for its site as a potential location for the National Training Centre and a signed letter of support provided to Durham Live as part of their submission to Canada Soccer. Therefore, the following 2 options are provided to Council for its consideration: 1.City of Pickering Council hereby provides its support for Durham Live to be a potential site for the Canada Soccer National Training Centre, conditional upon the owner being successful in securing an amendment to the Minister’s Zoning Order 164/24 from the Province of Ontario to permit the uses for the Canada Soccer National Training Centre; and, that the Mayor be authorized to provide a Letter of Support to Steve Apostolopoulos, Managing Partner of Durham Live consistent with this resolution. OR - 5 - February 5, 2026 Page 3 of 3 Durham Live Request for Letter of Support from Pickering Council 2.City of Pickering Council hereby does not provide its support for Durham Live to be a potential site for the Canada Soccer National Training Centre and that Steve Apostolopoulos, Managing Partner of Durham Live be notified of the same. FJ:as Attachments 1. Canada Soccer RFI 2. Letter of Support Request – Durham Live 3. Durham Live Zoning Map - 6 - CANADA SOCCER 237 rue Metcalfe St. Ottawa, ON K2P 1R2 CANADA SOCCER • 237 RUE METCALFE ST. • OTTAWA, ON K2P 1R2 • T:613.237.7678 F:613.237.1516 • CANADASOCCER.COM Request for Information (RFI) National Training Centre Initiative Date: 12/01/2025 To: Municipalities, Provincial and Territorial Soccer Associations, USport, Sport Canada and other stakeholders of interest From: Canada Soccer CC: Concacaf, FIFA Subject: Expression of Interest – Hosting a Potential National Training Centre for Soccer 1. Introduction Canada Soccer invites stakeholders across Canada to express their interest in hosting a future National Training Centre (NTC) dedicated to high-performance soccer. The NTC will serve as a cornerstone legacy project of Canada’s role in hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen our national sporting infrastructure, create a permanent home for Canadian soccer, and leave a lasting legacy for communities across the country. This RFI seeks to identify stakeholders, including municipalities, provinces, soccer clubs, postsecondary institutions and other interested organizations with the vision, infrastructure, and alignment to collaborate in building a world-class environment for player development, coaching education, and community engagement. The purpose of this RFI is to gather preliminary information and explore partnerships. This is not a call for proposals, but rather is the first step in identifying suitable locations and strategic partners for future engagement and collaboration. 2. Background As part of Canada Soccer’s legacy plan following the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Federation is advancing the vision for a permanent home of Canadian soccer - a modern, integrated National Training Centre that serves as the heartbeat of the sport in Canada. The facility will unite player development, national teams, coach and referee education, sports science, and community programs under one roof. It will symbolize excellence, inspire the next generation, and project Canada’s football identity globally. Soccer is Canada’s most widely played sport and one of its fastest-growing. Despite its reach and influence, the game lacks a true national home. The NTC aims to change that by connecting high-performance sport with community access, economic development, and national pride. Attachment 1 - 7 - CANADA SOCCER • 237 RUE METCALFE ST. • OTTAWA, ON K2P 1R2 • T:613.237.7678 F:613.237.1516 • CANADASOCCER.COM 3. Objectives of the RFI This RFI aims to: • Identify stakeholders with interest and capacity to host the National Training • Centre. This includes municipalities, provinces, soccer clubs, postsecondary • institutions and other interested organizations. • Assess potential partnerships with municipalities, provinces, private investors, and • educational institutions. • Evaluate candidate locations based on technical, logistical, and developmental • criteria. • Establish a collaborative process that aligns with Canada Soccer’s long-term vision • for sustainability, inclusion, and sport excellence. • Create a foundation for subsequent feasibility assessments, site visits, and formal • RFP processes. 4. Economic and Community Impact The National Training Centre will deliver significant economic, social, and community benefits to the host municipality and surrounding region. Beyond its role as a highperformance sport facility, the NTC is envisioned as a catalyst for local development, tourism, and civic pride. Economic Benefits • Creation of direct and indirect jobs during design, construction, and operation. • Attraction of visitors, athletes, and teams for national and international • tournaments, training camps, and events. • Stimulation of local businesses in hospitality, retail, and service sectors. • Increased visibility for the host location as a national and international destination • for sport and tourism. Community and Social Benefits • Enhanced access for local residents and youth programs to world-class facilities and • coaching resources. • Partnerships with schools and community organizations to deliver inclusive sport • and wellness programming. • Development of community pride and civic identity through association with • Canada’s national sport legacy. • Alignment with municipal priorities for health, inclusion, active living, and economic • renewal. - 8 - CANADA SOCCER • 237 RUE METCALFE ST. • OTTAWA, ON K2P 1R2 • T:613.237.7678 F:613.237.1516 • CANADASOCCER.COM 5. Site and Partnership Requirements Municipalities are invited to provide information addressing the following key requirements: A. Land and Infrastructure Preferred lot size: 40–60 acres of contiguous, developable land to accommodate 4–8 full-size outdoor natural and hybrid-grass pitches, one or more indoor or covered fields for year-round training, one small stadium, a high-performance building (gym, recovery, sports medicine, and analysis facilities), administrative and educational spaces (classrooms, meeting rooms, offices), dining facilities, parking and access control, and space for future expansion including commercial, academic, hotel and hospitality or community facilities. The site should also allow for long-term tenants such as professional or regional teams, ensuring operational sustainability and consistent usage. Accessibility to major transportation routes and airports is essential. Zoning and utilities must support institutional or sporting use with reliable access to power, water, and sewage. B. Transportation and Connectivity International accessibility through direct or short-connection flights to major European hubs (e.g., London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam) is highly preferred. Domestic access via proximity to major Canadian airports and public transit connections is required to facilitate athlete, staff, and visitor mobility. C. Player and Competition Ecosystem Proximity to elite youth and professional player and technical staff pools, such as provincial programs or professional academies, is beneficial. The location should provide access to a dense and competitive match environment to support continuous player development and regular competition opportunities. D. Climate and Environmental Factors Preference will be given to sites enabling year-round training, whether through favorable climate or indoor facilities. Environmental sustainability will serve as a core principle, and all parties are encouraged to detail initiatives aimed at reducing carbon footprints and promoting sustainable practice. E. Community and Institutional Partnerships Strong provincial, municipal and community support is vital. Respondents are encouraged to outline partnerships with local government, educational institutions, and regional sports organizations, as well as potential collaborations with private or public investors. Joint funding models, land-use partnerships, and community programming integration are considered strong assets. F. Future Expansion and Innovation The site should allow for long-term scalability, including research and innovation facilities, dormitories, or commercial expansion zones. Canada Soccer encourages interest from partners open to innovation in sports science, performance analytics, sustainability, and athlete wellbeing. - 9 - CANADA SOCCER • 237 RUE METCALFE ST. • OTTAWA, ON K2P 1R2 • T:613.237.7678 F:613.237.1516 • CANADASOCCER.COM G. Accessibility and Inclusion The NTC will be designed and operated with a commitment to environmental sustainability, accessibility, and inclusion. Respondents are encouraged to describe how their approach supports energy efficiency, Indigenous engagement, diversity and inclusive access to community programs. H. Financial Sustainability Preliminary expectations include exploring commercialization opportunities such as retail operations, sponsorship and signage, and additional programming to ensure long-term financial sustainability of the project. 6. Information Requested Interested parties are invited to submit: 1.A letter of interest outlining motivation to host the National Training Centre. 2.Overview of available land or facilities (maps, zoning, ownership details). 3.Description of transportation and international connectivity. 4.Summary of the local soccer ecosystem (clubs, academies, leagues). 5.Proof of initial support or acknowledgement from the province. 6.Potential partnerships, funding opportunities, or incentives. 7.Letters of support from municipal council or regional authorities 8.Details of possible municipal or regional contributions (land, services, 9.infrastructure, tax credits). 10.Additional unique factors supporting suitability for this initiative. 7. Evaluation and Next Steps All submissions will be reviewed by a CSA internal working group who comprise an internal project working group at this preliminary stage. Shortlisted partners will be invited for follow-up discussions and site visits as part of a subsequent feasibility phase. Canada Soccer expects to identify preferred locations by mid-2026, followed by a more formal Request for Proposals (RFP) and funding alignment process. 8. Funding and Partnership Framework The National Training Centre will be financed through a combination of: •FIFA World Cup 2026 legacy funds. •Federal and provincial investment. •Private philanthropy and corporate partnerships (including naming rights •opportunities). •Municipal participation through land contributions, infrastructure support, tax •incentives, in-kind services, or other value added contributions. This multi-partner model reflects the project’s national importance and ensures sustainable operations over the long term. - 10 - CANADA SOCCER • 237 RUE METCALFE ST. • OTTAWA, ON K2P 1R2 • T:613.237.7678 F:613.237.1516 • CANADASOCCER.COM 9. Submission Process Responses should be submitted electronically in PDF format to: NTC@canadasoccer.com with the subject line “RFI Response – Canada Soccer National Training Centre”. The deadline for submissions is February 12, 2026 (11:59 PM EST). Following review, Canada Soccer may engage selected respondents for further dialogue, feasibility analysis, and eventual RFP or partnership discussions. 10. Confidentiality All information received will be treated as confidential and used solely for internal evaluation by Canada Soccer. 11. Contact Information Please send any inquiries or questions to NTC@canadasoccer.com - 11 - Dear Mayor and Members of Council, I am writing on behalf of Durham Live to formally request the City of Pickering’s support and endorsement for the Durham Live site as a potential location for the Canada Soccer National Training Centre (NTC), in response to the Request for Information issued by Canada Soccer in December 2025. As outlined by Canada Soccer, the National Training Centre is envisioned as a cornerstone legacy initiative connected to Canada’s role as a host nation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Beyond its high- performance sporting mandate, the NTC represents a significant economic development, tourism, and community-building opportunity, one that aligns closely with Pickering’s long-term growth objectives and the broader regional vision for Durham. The Durham Live district offers a rare combination of scale, regional accessibility, infrastructure capacity, and mixed-use potential capable of supporting a project of this national significance. Its proximity to major transportation corridors, existing and planned hospitality uses, and future employment areas creates an environment well suited to a permanent national sports campus capable of hosting training, competitions, international teams, and year-round community programming. The proposed facility would be located within lands controlled by Durham Live. The site currently under consideration is situated east of Squires Beach Road, bordered generally between Church Street and Bayly Street, with proximity to Highway 401. This location offers strong regional connectivity and sufficient scale to accommodate a national training campus while integrating with the broader Durham Live district. A conceptual site plan is provided in Appendix A, illustrating the lands under consideration. For clarity, Durham Live controls lands within the district that are suitable to accommodate the National Training Centre, and we are prepared to advance this initiative as the project proponent, subject to alignment with Canada Soccer and the City of Pickering. No municipal land ownership or financial participation is contemplated at this stage. Consistent with the exploratory and non-binding nature of the current RFI, our request is limited to determining whether the City would be supportive in principle of the Durham Live site being advanced to Canada Soccer as a potential host location. Such support would allow us to formally submit our site and continue feasibility discussions with Canada Soccer and other stakeholders such as Pickering Soccer Club. Date: February 04, 2026 416-751-4242 steve@tripleproperties.com 186 Bartley Dr, North York, ON M4A 1E1 Attachment 2 - 12 - We believe that locating the National Training Centre at Durham Live would: Establish Pickering as a nationally and internationally recognized sport and training destination; Generate significant construction-phase and long-term employment; Drive tourism, hospitality demand, and year-round economic activity; Provide meaningful community access, youth development pathways, and regional pride tied to a lasting FIFA World Cup legacy. We would welcome the opportunity to meet with City staff and Council to discuss this request and to understand the City’s preferred approach to providing support at this early stage of the process. Thank you for your consideration and continued collaboration. We look forward to working closely with the City of Pickering to advance opportunities that align sport excellence with long-term community and economic development. Respectfully, Steve Apostolopoulos Managing Partner Triple Group of Companies / Durham Live 416-751-4242 steve@tripleproperties.com 186 Bartley Dr, North York, ON M4A 1E1 - 13 - Appendix A - Conceptual Site Plan The area outlined in red identifies lands currently available for consideration as the proposed Canada Soccer National Training Centre site. 416-751-4242 steve@tripleproperties.com 186 Bartley Dr, North York, ON M4A 1E1 - 14 - Ch u r c h S t r e e t S No t i o n Ro a d Sq u i r e s B e a c h R o a d Highway 4 0 1 Durham Live Avenue Bayly Street Tribro Studios Avenue THIS IS NOT A PLAN OF SURVEY © The Corporation of the City of Pickering Produced (in part) under license from: © King's Printer, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. All rights reserved.; © His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, Department of Natural Resources. All rights reserved.; © Teranet Enterprises Inc. and its suppliers. All rights reserved.; © Municipal Property Assessment Corporation and its suppliers. All rights reserved. 8 SCALE: 1:6,000Subject Lands MZO Regulation 164/24 Mixed Employment Zone Mixed Use Major Tourist and Entertainment Zone Natural Heritage and Open Space Zone Zoning By-law 8149/24 X70 (MTD H) - Major Tourist Destination Zone Legend Date: 2/5/2026 10:05 AM Durham Live Proposal City Development Department 0 0.07 0.13 0.2 0.260.03 Km Attachment 3 - 15 -