The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutENG 08-26 Report to Executive Committee Report Number: ENG 08-26 Date: May 4, 2026 From: Richard Holborn Director, Engineering Services Subject: City Centre Park Preferred Concept Design File: A-1440 Recommendation: 1. That Council endorse the City Centre Park preferred concept design, as set out in Attachment 1, consisting of an outdoor skating rink and trail, misting water feature, amenity building with public washrooms, a staff area, mechanical/electrical room, and an ice re- surfacer storage room, walking paths, site furniture, opportunities for public art, turf, planting beds, and trees; 2. That staff and the consultant be authorized to proceed with the design development and detailed design phase for the City Centre Park; and 3. That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the actions necessary to implement the recommendations in this report. 1.0 Executive Summary: The purpose of this report is to inform Council on the status of the City Centre Park design and to receive their endorsement of the preferred concept design (Attachment 1) prior to proceeding to the design development and detailed design phase of this project. Council approved retaining MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects Ltd. (MJMA) to provide design and construction administration services for the City Centre Park at the September 23, 2024 Council meeting (Report ENG 16-24, Resolution #574/24). Public input provided in 2021 and 2023, during the development of the City Centre Plan were used to develop three concept strategies with different character: Urban Grove, Cultural Heart, and Island of Serenity (Attachment 2). These alternatives were not intended as final designs but rather as starting points to gather public feedback and define a direction that best reflects Pickering’s needs and aspirations. The key features that were included for all three strategies, based on previous public input were: trees, a washroom/amenity building, year-round attractions such as a water feature and skating area, site furnishings, and public art. ENG 08-26 May 4, 2026 Page 2 The community engagement process included both in-person public engagement and an on- line survey through the City’s Let’s Talk Pickering platform between May and September 2025. Public Engagement Boards were displayed at the Artfest event and were left on display at the Pickering Public Library Central Branch and the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex throughout the engagement period. The Let’s Talk Pickering website attracted a total of 776 visitors, with 308 of them responding to the online survey. Feedback from the in-person events and online survey indicated a strong support for elements of all three concept strategies, suggesting a hybrid design approach would best reflect community priorities. Residents liked the concept of a large gathering space to host year-round civic events, with a central water feature to animate the space over the summer months, and skating to draw people into the park during the winter. They also liked the idea of an abundance of green space and natural landscaping within the park. MJMA has prepared a preferred concept design for City Centre Park for Council’s endorsement (Attachment 1). The proposed plan features a large gathering/event space with a central water misting feature. The gathering space will transform into a skating rink during the winter months. The plan also features walking paths that meander through treed areas, some which will transform to a skating trail during the winter months. The amenity building will be sized appropriately to accommodate universal washrooms, staff facilities, mechanical/electrical space, and indoor storage for the ice re-surfacer. In order to keep the building footprint to a minimum, the chiller plant for the rink will be located on the building rooftop and screened from view, making the building facade approximately two-storeys in height and able to accommodate a large video screen. Trees will be located in turf areas and planting beds around the site. A public art plaza is also being proposed, clearly visible from the street. Seating areas in the form of traditional site furniture and seat walls will be incorporated into the site design, scattered around the park. A Class C Construction Cost Estimate is being prepared for the preferred concept design. The goal is to achieve and maintain a construction cost of approximately $18,000,000 in 2027 dollars. 2.0 Relationship to the Pickering Strategic Plan: The recommendations in this report respond to the Pickering Strategic Plan Priorities of Advocate for an Inclusive, Welcoming, Safe & Healthy Community; Advance Innovation & Responsible Planning to Support a Connected, Well-Serviced Community; and Lead & Advocate for Environmental Stewardship, Innovation & Resiliency. 3.0 Financial Implications: There are no financial implications to report at this time. ENG 08-26 May 4, 2026 Page 3 4.0 Discussion: The purpose of this report is to inform Council on the status of the City Centre Park design and to receive endorsement of the preferred concept design prior to proceeding to the design development and detailed design phase of this project. City Centre Park was confirmed to be Council’s second capital budget priority, as the first phase of the City Centre redevelopment, at a Special Meeting of Council held on January 18, 2024 (Resolution # 379/24). Council approved retaining MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects Ltd. (MJMA) to provide design and construction administration services for the City Centre Park at the September 23, 2024 Council meeting (Report ENG 16-24, Resolution #574/24). The Pickering City Centre Plan serves as the strategic blueprint guiding downtown development, and City Centre Park represents its first foundational phase. Public input provided in 2021 and 2023, during the development of the City Centre Plan, indicated a strong desire for the park to be a vibrant downtown hub animated by art, performances, and civic events. People emphasized the importance of comfortable, welcoming public spaces and highlighted the need for gardens, shade and an abundance of seating. Amenities such as outdoor skating and a water feature to support year-round programming were also noted as priorities. 4.1 Concept Strategies The new City Centre Park is to be a landmark, where nature, culture and community come together to represent the best of Pickering. It is to be a year-round destination that is vibrant with activity. In developing the vision for the City Centre Park, MJMA prepared three distinct concept strategies to test different approaches to layout and character. Each strategy integrated the community’s top priorities, while offering a unique perspective on how the park could function as the civic heart of the downtown. Across the three strategies, several features consistently appeared, shaped by past engagement and community expectations for a successful park: • Trees – An urban canopy plays a vital role in enhancing public spaces by offering shade, improving air quality and managing stormwater runoff. It fosters biodiversity and adds visual appeal throughout the year, enriching the city’s environment and livability; • Washroom and Amenity Building – A dedicated building will house essential facilities, including public washrooms, to support the site’s programming; • Year-round Attractions – The park will be brought to life with year-round attractions, including seasonal plantings that highlight the changing seasons. Winter will feature a skating area, while summer will offer an interactive water element; • Site Furnishings – The park will be designed to be accessible to everyone, offering a range of furnishings that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. It will support diverse activities, from relaxing alone, to enjoying a picnic, to meeting up with friends; and, • Public Art – The park will incorporate public art, with installations designed to engage visitors and complement the park’s overall environment. ENG 08-26 May 4, 2026 Page 4 The park’s role within the larger city-wide network of public spaces and the city’s close proximity to the Oak Ridges Moraine, underscoring the need for design strategies that respect and reflect larger ecological systems, were also considerations in the concepts prepared. Three concept strategies were developed to explore different ways the City Centre Park could take shape. These alternatives were not intended as final designs but rather as starting points to spark dialogue, gather feedback, and define a direction that best reflects Pickering’s needs and aspirations. Each strategy responded to the same program elements but emphasized a different character. The three strategies: Urban Grove, Cultural Heart, and Island of Serenity are briefly described below with a more detailed description and rendering of each is included in Attachment 2 of this report. • The Urban Grove strategy blends urban plaza with the natural beauty of a shaded tree canopy. At the core of the park is an open area for large city gatherings. A misting system provides summer cooling. In winter, a skating trail winds through the trees and open area, creating a distinctive seasonal experience. • The Cultural Heart strategy is an urban design centered around a water feature as the focal point of the plaza framed with a lush softscape of trees, gardens and lawn. In the winter, the water feature transforms into a skating rink. • The Island of Serenity strategy prioritizes lush green space surrounded by trees and landscaping. Reflection ponds are woven throughout the site. Winter ice would need to be achieved through the placement of mobile ice mats on the central lawn area. 4.2 Community Consultation The community engagement process included both in-person public engagement and an on- line survey through the City’s Let’s Talk Pickering platform between May and September 2025. Public Engagement Boards were displayed and staffed at the Artfest event on May 24, 2025, and were left on display at the Pickering Public Library Central Branch and the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex throughout the engagement period. A list of the dates and locations of the project information was shared with the residents and results of the consultation process is included in Attachment 3. The Let’s Talk Pickering website attracted a total of 776 visitors, with 308 of them responding to the online survey. Feedback from the in-person events and online survey indicated a strong support for elements of all three concept strategies, suggesting a hybrid design approach would best reflect community priorities. The key takeaway for each strategy was as follows: • Urban Grove: Incorporate pedestrian paths including a skating trail amongst the trees to create a unique city experience; • Cultural Heart: Feature a large gathering space with skating and an interactive water feature at its center to host year-round civic events and provide day-to-day enjoyment; and, ENG 08-26 May 4, 2026 Page 5 • Island of Serenity: Emphasize an abundance of green space and natural landscaping to create a restorative, welcoming environment. Water elements such as the misting features and ground sprays ranked highly among the respondents and were viewed as desirable for enhancing comfort. Similarly, ice skating was favoured by many as a way to draw people to the park in the winter. 4.3 Preferred Concept Design MJMA has prepared a preferred concept design for City Centre Park for Council’s endorsement (Attachment 1). It draws from elements from all three strategies but predominantly from the Urban Grove and Cultural Heart strategies. The proposed plan features a large gathering/event space with a central water misting feature that would operate over the summer months. The gathering space around the misting feature will transform into a skating rink during the winter months. The plan also features walking paths that meander through treed areas, some which will transform to skating trails during the winter months. The amenity building will be sized appropriately to accommodate universal washrooms, staff facilities, mechanical/electrical space, and indoor storage for the ice re- surfacer. In order to keep the building footprint to a minimum, the chiller plant for the rink will be located on the building rooftop and screened from view, making building facade approximately two-storeys in height and able to accommodate a large video screen. Trees will be located in turf areas and planting beds around the site, with the west and north sides of the park more heavily treed. A public art plaza is also being proposed, clearly visible from the intersection of Glenanna Road and Esplanade South. Seating areas in the form of traditional site furniture and seat walls will be incorporated into the site design, scattered around the park. 4.4 Project Costing MJMA had a Class D Construction Cost Estimate prepared to obtain a high-level order of magnitude cost for the three concept strategies. The estimates, including a 10% design contingency, a 10% construction contingency and a 15% escalation in costs to 2027 dollars were as follows: • Urban Grove: $20,100,000 • Cultural Heart: $24,300,000 • Island of Serenity: $16,200,000 Features in each estimate included an amenity building for public washrooms, a staff room and service space, a water feature, a skating feature, flexible open space, paths, soft landscaping, lighting, power supply and basic infrastructure for A/V and security systems. The Cultural Heart strategy was the most expensive as it included a large skating rink, a water jet system, and a larger amenity building to accommodate the required equipment. The Island of Serenity strategy was the least expensive as there is no built-in/permanent rink refrigeration system ENG 08-26 May 4, 2026 Page 6 (mobile ice mats were proposed with this strategy) or water feature equipment, and as such, the building could be smaller. The misting system that was included in the Urban Grove strategy has also been incorporated in the preferred concept design, requires much less mechanical equipment and uses a small fraction of water in comparison to a jet system, making both its installation and operating costs much lower. The preferred concept design was developed in consultation with staff from the City Development, City Infrastructure, Community Services, and Engineering Services Departments. Staff recommend that Council endorse this plan and that the consultant be directed to proceed to the design development and detail design stages. A Class C Construction Cost Estimate is being prepared for the preferred concept design to confirm it’s estimated value. The goal is to achieve and maintain a construction cost of approximately $18,000,000 in 2027 dollars. 4.5 Project Schedule and Next Steps Following authorization from Council, MJMA will proceed with the Design Development phase. This phase will include meetings with the Community Safety & Well Being Advisory Committee, the Accessibility Advisory Committee, and the Cultural Advisory Committee, to present the Council endorsed concept design and to obtain their comments. This phase will also include a review of the Class C Estimate, refining and further detailing the plan, and preparation of a Class B Estimate to ensure the project costs stay in check. The preparation of detailed design drawings and specifications will proceed through the fall and winter. It is anticipated that the project can be tendered in Spring 2027 subject to 2027 budget approval, with construction commencing in Summer 2027 pending Council approval of a Tender award. The construction of the park features will take approximately 12 months to complete. Attachments: 1. City Centre Park Preferred Concept Design 2. City Centre Park Concept Strategies 3. Public Engagement Summary 4. Location Map Prepared By: Arnold Mostert, Manager, Landscape & Parks Development Approved/Endorsed By: Richard Holborn, Director, Engineering Services ENG 08-26 May 4, 2026 Page 7 AM:am Recommended for the consideration of Pickering City Council By: Marisa Carpino, M.A. Chief Administrative Officer Preferred Concept Design By bringing together key elements from each concept, a combined approach was developed for City Centre Park. The design creates a dynamic, year-round destination with a vibrant central gathering space for large events and everyday use. Trees and planting form a lush canopy along the site perimeter, offering shade, comfort, and quiet retreat, while the sun-bathed northern edge features pathways weaving through gardens. Misting features animate the centre of the park in warmer months, with additional intimate experiences nestled within the trees. In winter, the park offers a range of skating experiences, with a central urban rink complemented by skating trails that weave through the canopy, creating a distinctive seasonal experience. Winding Winding PathwaysPathways Amenity Amenity BuildingBuilding Concept strategy integrating key elements from all three initial design approaches The key elements of the design strategy are: •Summer misting feature (water element) •Winter ice skate rink & trails •Flexible & fixed seating •Perimeter planting and lawn spaces •Winding pathways •Amenity building along south edge of site N Winter Skate Winter Skate Trail / Summer Trail / Summer Walking TrailWalking TrailWinter Central Winter Central Skate RinkSkate Rink Summer Mist Summer Mist Water FeatureWater Feature Public Art Public Art PlazaPlaza Attachment 1 - Report ENG 08-26 Urban Grove Urban Grove blends urban plaza with the natural beauty of a shaded tree canopy. Trees are planted throughout the space, offering generous shade over plentiful places to sit and gardens to wander through. At the core of the park lies an open area for large city gatherings—clouds of fine mist are created by nozzles embedded in unit pavers, cooling the air and adding a lively, playful ambiance. In winter, a skating trail winds through the trees and open area, creating a distinctive seasonal experience. Fixed Fixed SeatingSeating Winter Skate Winter Skate Trail / Summer Trail / Summer Walking TrailWalking Trail Summer Mist Summer Mist Water FeatureWater Feature Amenity Amenity BuildingBuilding Distributed Distributed PlantingPlanting Design for concept strategy ‘Urban Grove’ The key elements are: •Summer misting feature (water element) •Winter ice skate trail •Abundant forest grove •Fixed seating •Distributed planting throughout site •Amenity building along south of site N Attachment 2 - Report ENG 08-26 Cultural Heart Cultural Heart is a vibrant urban design proposal centered around a water feature that serves as the focal point of the plaza. Framed by a lush softscape of trees, gardens and lawn along the site’s edges, the space offers a welcoming balance between nature and urban life. In the winter months, the water feature transforms into an inviting skating rink, bringing seasonal energy and activity to the heart of the community. Winding Winding PathwaysPathways Summer Water Ground Summer Water Ground Sprays / Winter Ice RinkSprays / Winter Ice Rink Amenity Amenity BuildingBuilding Perimeter Perimeter Planting + LawnPlanting + Lawn Design for concept strategy ‘Cultural Heart’ The key elements of the design strategy are: • Summer water ground sprays • Winter ice skate rink • Perimeter forest grove • Winding pathways • Perimeter planting and lawn • Amenity building along south east of site N Island of Serenity Island of Serenity prioritizes lush green space and surrounded by trees and landscaping to create a peaceful retreat within the city. Reflection ponds are woven throughout the site, enclose a central open lawn that offers a quiet, restorative escape from the surrounding urban environment. This flexible green core is not only a place for relaxation but also serves as a venue for community activities and gathering. As the weather gets cold, the park transforms into a winter wonderland featuring skating and festive lights. Summer Central Lawn / Summer Central Lawn / Winter Ice RinkWinter Ice Rink Amenity Amenity BuildingBuilding Distributed Distributed Reflection PondsReflection Ponds Perimeter Perimeter PlantingPlanting Flexible Flexible SeatingSeating Design for concept strategy ‘Island of Serenity’ The key elements of the design strategy are: • Summer reflection ponds • Winter ice rink (provided by mobile ice mats) • Large central lawn • Flexible seating • Perimeter planting • Amenity building along north edge of site N Public Outreach Effective public outreach has been central to shaping City Centre Park. The City leveraged both its Let’s Talk Pickering engagement platform and a series of in-person pop-up events to invite residents, stakeholders, and local partners into the design conversation, ensuring that the park reflects community values, needs, and aspirations. This following pages summarize the results of the structured process that has been implemented to both inform the public and gather meaningful feedback at this important phase of the project. Attachment 3 - Report ENG 08-26 To complement the online survey, the City hosted a series of pop-up engagement sessions at key community events. These sessions brought the design strategies directly into public spaces, giving residents the opportunity to view design strategies, ask questions of staff and consultants, and provide input in real time. This format was particularly effective in reaching diverse audiences, including those less likely to participate online. Project information was shared with the residents at the following events: • May 24 at Artfest event • Friday, June 20 from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm at The Shops at Pickering City Centre • Friday, July 4 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Rick Johnson Memorial Park (Summer Concert event) • Sunday, July 13 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Esplanade Park (Summer Concert event) • Friday, July 18 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Rick Johnson Memorial Park (Summer Concert event) • Friday, August 8 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Rick Johnson Memorial Park (Summer Concert event) Post cards promoting the project and the on-line survey were handed out at all of these pop- ups/events, highlighting how to access the online survey: • Farmers’ Markets - July 15 & July 22 (10:00 am - 12:00 pm) • Library Ovee Vehicle Stops - July 15 (6:00 pm to 7:00 pm in Greenwood), July 16 (10:00 am – 12:00 pm at Rick Johnson Memorial Park) & July 22 (6:00 pm – 7:00 pm at West Shore Community Centre) • Library Sessions - July 17 (4:00 pm – 5:30 pm at Youth Drop-In at Central Library) & July 22 (1:00 pm – 3:00 pm at Seniors Social at Central Library) • Millennium Square Concerts - July 17 (7:00 pm to 9:00 pm) & July 23 (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm) • Esplanade Park Concerts - July 20 (2:00 pm – 4:00 pm) & July 27 (2:00 pm – 4:00 pm) • Rick Johnson Memorial Park Concerts - July 25 (5:30 pm – 7:30 pm) In-Person Public Engagement Pop-up Dates - 2025 Public Engagement Boards The following section presents the public engagement boards used during in-person public engagement pop-ups. A total of 12 boards, including the title board, are shown below and in enlarged format on the following pages. Summary of Results for Digital Survey Q1-3 Option Average Rank A peaceful green space for relaxation amid the city 2.28 A daily-use park for workers, residents, and visitors 2.48 A civic gathering space for public events and celebrations 2.52 A flexible space adaptable for multiple uses 2.622.62 Q1 Results (Park Adjacency): City Centre Park will be located adjacent to City Hall and the Central Library. What role should this central location play in the park’s design? 1 (MOST IMPORTANT) 4 (LEAST IMPORTANT) Option Average Rank Include trees and natural landscaping throughout the park 2.99 Support year-round use through seasonal design features 3.24 Provide flexible space for public events and celebrations 4.13 Ensure the project is cost-effective and fiscally responsible 4.48 Incorporate environmentally sustainable design practices 4.49 Align with and enhance the existing programming in nearby Esplanade 5.15 Park Create a distinct and recognizable community landmark 5.16 Honour and reflect Indigenous heritage and culture 5.785.78 Q2 Results (Park Priorities): The design will need to balance different priorities based on spatial restrictions, budget, and timeline. Rank the choices. 1 (MOST IMPORTANT) 8 (LEAST IMPORTANT) 2.28 2.99 5.78 2.62 Option Average Rank Attending community or civic events (e.g., festivals, concerts, 4.83 ceremonies) Enjoying seasonal features (e.g., winter lights, splash pad in summer) 5.1 Meeting friends or socializing 5.38 Casual walking or jogging 5.53 Skating (e.g., winter ice rink or trail) 5.56 Relaxing alone (e.g., reading, enjoying nature) 5.79 Letting kids play in a water feature 6.25 Having a picnic 6.99 Taking part in cultural or arts programming 7.42 Participating in fitness or wellness classes (e.g., yoga, tai chi) 7.73 Playing informal games (e.g., frisbee, bocce, lawn games) 7.73 Exploring art or educational installations 7.8 1 (MOST IMPORTANT) 12 (LEAST IMPORTANT) Q3 Results (Park Activities): What kinds of activities would you most likely participate in at the new City Centre Park? 4.83 7.80 Summary of Results for Digital Survey Q11-14 Water Fountains/Jets Skate Rink Q10 Q11 Water Mist Skate Trail Reflecting Pond Other Other #*&$$&0%(&0%& '$+$ ; 8@B-CD 8@B-CD B<-CD B<-CD @8B-CD @8B-CD <B8-CD <B8-CD @= @C ?D. "#: ; #0/& &&/ ! "" #*&$$&0%(&0%&/ +$; "B"-8CD "B"-8CD B9<-CD B9<-CD 9B"-8CD 9B"-8CD ( ( (#: ; #0/& &&/ ! @"" 8% 8% 29% 40% 58% 23% 35% The following graphs indicate survey results for Park Activities based on the following questions: Q10: How would you like to interact with water? Q11: How would you like to skate in the winter? Q12: How would you like to spend a summer weekend? Q13: What would you like in an amenity building? Q14: What kind of park seating would you enjoy? Fixed benches Q14 Movable seats Picnic tables Other #< .+ ( &7 / 4 $&0%( &0 )&; "8B@-CD "8 B@-CD 8B9@-CD 8 B9@-CD 88 B-9CD 88 B-9CD @ B8-"CD @ B8-"CD =, C " ,# ,# : ; #0/& &&/ " ! "" 9% 29% 36% 29% Immersed in Gardens Skate Change Q12 Q13 Lying on a Lawn Skate Rental Listening to a Concert Snack Bar Other Other # *&$ $&0%( &0 % & /( /0 $(; "B9-9CD " B9-9CD "B98-CD " B98-CD B9-CD B9-CD 9 B"-@CD 9 B"-@CD > # ) !!" "> # : ; #0/& &&/ " ! """ 8% 9% 23% 42% 39% 25% 30% 23% Summary of Results for Digital Survey Q17-20 The following graphs indicate survey results for Park Activities based on the following questions: Q17: How often do you visit the downtown Pickering area (near City Hall/Central Library/The Shops at Pickering City Centre)? Q18: If you were to use the City Centre Park, how would you most commonly attend - select the one option that resonates best. Q19: What are the first 3 digits of your Pickering postal code? Q20: What age group applies to you? Q18 10% 16% 49% 25% Q17 <1% B-<CD B-"CD <"B"-<CD 11% 17% CD 23% 49% 9B<8-CD #"*&$&7(&&0:/+(&$&$ '4 B * %%H %, H+ +&/ '4D; <"B"-<CD 9B<8-CD @B9-CD @B9- B-"CD B-<CD G @(=# #0/& &&/ " () "" Weekly Monthly Never Daily Rarely Q19 L1W L1X L1V L1Y I don’t live in Pickering but still reside within Durham Region I live outside of Durham Region With my spouse/ With my family/children partner With my co-worker/friend By Myself 1% Q20 Under 18 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+ Prefer not to answer < B - 9 C D B 17% -" C D @B - C D 15% <1% B -2% "C D 2% 63% # . + + ? / 9 ( 4 /& 7 &0 ' 4 &/ % ' &(; 8B @ - CD 8B @ - CD B "-9 CD B "-9 CD <B -9 CD B -" CD @B - CD B -" CD >2 >2@ >2] >2 " P ( , ") # G # ! "G # ! #0/& &&/ () "" <B-<CD 9B-CD 9B9-9CD 11% 13% B-CD -@CD 5% 13% 15% << 16% -@CD 27% #.+ 44&0 %/&&0; 9B9-9CD B-CD <<B-CD B-CD "8B@-CD "8B@-CD <@B-@CD <@B 9"B-@CD 9"B 9B-CD <B-<CD "2&2&'$+$-'1+1-'+++-'-+--'/+/-T ) #0/& &&/ () 9"" Legend c:::I Proposed Location for City Centre Park Street --PublicL-·Public (PROPOSED) ENCORE STREET 0 ~ 0:: <z z ct z w ...J C) Engineering Services LOCATION MAP Department -044-Proposed City Centre Park SCALE: DATE: PICKERING 1 :1,470 Apr. 09, 2026I Attachment 4 - Report ENG 08-26