HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 2, 2025
Executive Committee
Meeting Agenda
Electronic Meeting
September 02, 2025 - 02:00 PM
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 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.
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
Delegations
Matters for Consideration
Director, City Development & CBO, Report SUS 05-25 Page 6
2024 Measuring Sustainability Report
Consultant Delegation:
Ewa Jackson, Managing Director and Pavils Hawkins, Senior Climate Change
Project Officer, ICLEI Canada
1.
2.
3.
4.
4.1
Recommendation:
That Report SUS 05-25 regarding the 2024 Measuring Sustainability Report be
received for information.
Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor, Report CLK 04-25 Page 97
2026 Committee and Council Meeting Schedule
Recommendation:
That Report CLK 04-25 regarding the 2026 Committee and Council Meeting
Schedule be received;
1.
That the 2026 Committee and Council Meeting Schedule included as
Attachment 1 to this report be approved; and,
2.
That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the
actions necessary to implement the recommendations in this report.
3.
Director, Community Services, Report CS 22-25 Page 102
Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre Public Art
Commission of Public Art
Recommendation:
That Council endorse that the commission of public art at the main entrance of
Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre be awarded to Hooman
Mehdizadehjafari;
1.
That Council authorize the Director, Finance & Treasurer to finance the net
project cost of $112,566.43 to be funded by a transfer from the Public Art
Reserve as approved in the 2025 Current Budget;
2.
That the Mayor and the City Clerk be authorized to execute the Letter of
Understanding between Hooman Mehdizadehjafari and the City of Pickering,
set out in Attachment 1, subject to minor revisions acceptable to the Director,
Community Services and the Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor;
and,
3.
That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the
necessary actions as indicated in this report.
4.
Director, Community Services, Report CS 23-25 Page 146
4.2
4.3
4.4
Executive Committee Meeting Agenda
September 02, 2025
- 2 -
Community Association Licence Agreements
Amberlea Tennis Club
Recommendation:
That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the Licence
Agreement with Amberlea Tennis Club submitted as Attachment 1 to this
report, subject to minor revisions as may be required by the Director,
Community Services and the Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor;
and,
1.
That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the
necessary actions as indicated in this report.
2.
Director, Community Services, Report CS 24-25 Page 158
Community Association Licence Agreement
Pickering Pickleball Club
Recommendation:
That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the Licence
Agreement with Pickering Pickleball Club submitted as Attachment 1 of this
report, subject to minor revisions as may be required by the Director,
Community Services and the Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor;
and,
1.
That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the
necessary action as indicated in this report.
2.
Director, Engineering Services, Report ENG 17-25 Page 171
Frenchman’s Bay Watersheds Stormwater Management Master Plan Update
Request for Proposal No. RFP2025-11
Recommendation:
That the proposal submitted by Aquafor Beech Limited, in response to
Request for Proposal No. RFP2025-11 for the Frenchman’s Bay Watersheds
Stormwater Management Master Plan Update, in the amount of $481,782.72
(net HST) or $534,998.50 (HST included) be accepted;
1.
That the total gross project cost of $616,748.00 (HST included), including the
fee amount and other associated costs, and the total net project cost of
$555,401.00 (net HST) be approved;
2.
4.5
4.6
Executive Committee Meeting Agenda
September 02, 2025
- 3 -
That Council authorize the Director, Finance & Treasurer to finance the total
net project cost of $555,401.00 as follows:
The sum of $499,861.00 to be funded by a transfer from the from
Development Charges – Stormwater Management Reserve Fund as
approved in the 2025 Current Budget;
a.
The sum of $55,540.00 to be funded from Property Taxes;b.
3.
That the Director, Engineering Services be authorized to enter into and
execute the Form of Agreement with Aquafor Beech Limited pursuant to
Request for Proposal No. RFP2025-11; and,
4.
That the appropriate City of Pickering officials be authorized to take the
actions necessary to implement the recommendations in this report.
5.
Director, Finance & Treasurer, Report FIN 13-25 Page 176
Investment Portfolio Activity for the Year Ended December 31, 2024
Ontario Regulation 438/97 under the Municipal Act, 2001
Recommendation:
That Report FIN 13-25 regarding Investment Portfolio Activity for the Year Ended
December 31, 2024 be received for information.
Director, Finance & Treasurer, Report FIN 14-25 Page 187
2024 Building Permit Stabilization Reserve Fund
Recommendation:
That Report FIN 14-25 regarding the 2024 Building Permit Stabilization Reserve
Fund be received for information.
Fire Chief, Report FIR 05-25 Page 190
Supply and Delivery of a Fire Truck - Pumper Rescue Replacement
Quotation No. RFP2025-9
Recommendation:
That Quotation No. RFP2025-9 submitted by Dependable Truck & Tank
Limited for the supply and delivery of one Fire Pumper Rescue Apparatus in
the amount of $1,721,775.00 plus HST be accepted;
1.
That the total gross project cost of $2,312,856.00 (HST included) and the total
net project cost of $2,082,798.00 (net of HST rebate) be approved;
2.
4.7
4.8
4.9
Executive Committee Meeting Agenda
September 02, 2025
- 4 -
That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized to finance the total net
project cost in the amount of $2,082,798.00 to be funded from the Rate
Stabilization Reserve; and,
3.
That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the
necessary actions as indicated in this report.
4.
Director, City Development & CBO, Report PLN 17-25 Page 194
Proposed Indigenous Engagement Guide for Durham Region Area
Municipalities
Recommendation:
That Council authorize City staff to participate in the creation of an Indigenous
Engagement Guide for Durham Region area municipalities;
1.
That Council agree to financially support the creation of an Indigenous
Engagement Guide for Durham Region area municipalities:
Based on a funding formula of:
Whitby: 31%;i.
Ajax, Clarington, Oshawa, and Pickering: 15% each;ii.
Brock, Scugog, Uxbridge: 3% each;iii.
a.
To an upset limit of $25,000 for Pickering’s portion of the costs;b.
2.
That Council authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a cost sharing
agreement among the City of Pickering, and the other area municipalities, a
draft of which is included in Attachment 1, subject to any necessary, agreed
to, minor refinements; and,
3.
That the appropriate City of Pickering officials be authorized to take the
actions necessary to implement the recommendations in this report.
4.
Member Updates on Committees
Other Business
Adjournment
4.10
5.
6.
7.
Executive Committee Meeting Agenda
September 02, 2025
- 5 -
Report to
Executive Committee
Report Number: SUS 05-25
Date: September 2, 2025
From: Kyle Bentley
Director, City Development & CBO
Subject: 2024 Measuring Sustainability Report
File: A-1440-001
Recommendation:
1. That Report SUS 05-25 regarding the 2024 Measuring Sustainability Report be received
for information.
Executive Summary: The purpose of this report is to present the 2024 Measuring
Sustainability Report (MSR), as set out in Attachment 1, which tracks Pickering's progress
toward becoming a more sustainable, resilient, and livable community. Now in its fourth
edition, the report includes 33 indicators organized under five focus areas: Healthy
Environment, Healthy Society, Healthy Economy, Responsible Development, and Responsible
Consumption.
The 2024 report continues to evolve by refining existing indicators and adding new ones,
building on the progress and insights of earlier editions. These updates highlight a growing
focus on connected, accessible, and engaged communities, economic diversity, sustainable
mobility, natural assets, land cover, climate resilience, and sustainable lifestyles. Together, the
indicators provide a high-level snapshot of local trends, feature collective efforts by the City
and community partners, and identify areas for continued improvement.
This report is designed to support ongoing monitoring and transparency, strengthen
community awareness and engagement, and as appropriate, help inform planning efforts
across the community. The report is intended as an information tool and does not prescribe
actions or require decisions at this time. Indicators span multiple sectors; more detailed
updates on specific data and related initiatives can be found in the plans and reports of the
relevant departments and agencies.
By offering practical tips in the MSR and highlighting local programs, projects, and events, it
encourages residents to get involved and take part in building a more sustainable Pickering.
To ensure broad access, the 2024 MSR will be available online and shared through the City’s
communication channels, including eNewsletters, social media, website, and printed copies at
various events and workshops.
Relationship to the Pickering Strategic Plan: The recommendations in this report respond
to the Pickering Strategic Plan Priority of Foster an Engaged & Informed Community.
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SUS 05-25 September 2, 2025
Page 2
Financial Implications: There are no direct financial implications as a result of the
recommendation of this report.
Discussion: The purpose of this report is to present the 2024 MSR, a high-level snapshot
of Pickering’s progress toward becoming a more sustainable city. The report tracks 33
indicators across five focus areas and highlights how the City and its partners are advancing
shared sustainability goals. It also identifies emerging trends, areas of success, and
opportunities for improvement, to support evidence-based decision-making and public
engagement.
In addition to outlining the status of each indicator, the report showcases actions taken by the
City and community partners to support ongoing progress. The document also includes
practical tips residents can incorporate into their daily lives, reinforcing the message that
building a sustainable city is a collective effort.
1. Background
Pickering’s first MSR was released in 2010, establishing baseline data for key
environmental, social, and economic indicators. The 2012 and 2017 editions expanded
this foundation by updating community feedback and emerging best practices. The
2024 report continues this work by refining methodologies, introducing new indicators,
and spotlighting collaborative actions. The report provides an opportunity to support
ongoing monitoring and transparency, strengthen community awareness and
engagement, and help inform planning efforts.
This type of indicator-based sustainability reporting is also practiced by other Ontario
municipalities such as the City of Toronto. These communities track progress through
regularly published reports or online dashboards that monitor environmental, social, and
economic well-being using locally relevant data.
2. Updated Indicators and Methodology
The report includes 33 indicators grouped under five thematic areas: Healthy
Environment, Healthy Society, Healthy Economy, Responsible Development, and
Responsible Consumption. These indicators were selected through an evaluation
process to determine which indicators were the most useful for the purpose of ongoing
reporting.
This process began with a review of the indicators from the 2017 report. Each indicator
was evaluated against criteria such as relevance to sustainability, availability of
consistent and objective data, and ease of data collection. Additional weight was given
to indicators that the City could affect directly or through partnerships.
Indicators that no longer met these criteria were removed. To fill information gaps and
respond to emerging issues, a list of potential new indicators was developed and
assessed using the same criteria. The final set of 33 indicators includes a combination
of updated and newly introduced metrics.
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SUS 05-25 September 2, 2025
Page 3
While this report provides a snapshot of local progress, it is not intended to prescribe
actions or require decisions at this time. It does not detail all the specific elements
behind each indicator, the actions taken to date, or what could be initiated in the future.
As the indicators span multiple sectors, more details and implementation updates can
be found in the plans and reports of the relevant City departments and agencies.
2.1 New Sustainability Indicators
The 2024 MSR report introduces several new indicators. New indicators include:
• area of natural cover
• quality of natural cover
• area and percentage of impervious cover
• neighbourhood satisfaction – social connection
• neighbourhood satisfaction – physical connection and accessibility to amenities
• annual visits to facilities, events, and performances within Pickering
• residents’ perception of weather-related emergencies impacting the community
• job distribution by sector
• sustainable mode share
• ratio of people to parkland
• household responsible consumption practices
Their inclusion helps address information gaps from previous reports and takes
advantage of newly available data sources. Together, they provide deeper insights into
areas such as connected, accessible, and engaged communities, economic diversity,
sustainable mobility, natural assets, land cover, climate resilience, and sustainable
lifestyles.
3. Survey Insights
In 2024, the City conducted a public survey that supported the development of this
report. The survey gathered resident feedback on a wide range of environmental, social,
and economic topics, providing insights into public awareness, perceptions, and
household practices. Several indicators in the 2024 report are informed by this survey
as well as other City survey results.
4. What the City and Others Are Doing
Each section of the report highlights tangible examples of how the City of Pickering and
many other community partners are advancing sustainability goals through local action.
These include infrastructure upgrades that improve energy efficiency, tree planting and
ecosystem restoration and enhancements that strengthen natural systems, and
community programs that engage residents in pollinator gardens, waste reduction, and
youth-led environmental initiatives. Additional examples feature efforts to support equity
and well-being, mental health resources, and accessible transportation. Together, these
examples demonstrate the importance of collaboration among the City, residents,
businesses, and community organizations.
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SUS 05-25 September 2, 2025
Page 4
5.Reporting as a Tool to Support Decision-Making
By identifying both achievements and areas for improvement, the report can be another
useful tool to help inform strategic planning, policy and program development. As noted,
it also supports transparency and data-driven information. The insights captured may
also help provide a benchmark to evaluate the effectiveness of initiatives over time.
6.Promoting the 2024 Measuring Sustainability Report
To ensure the findings of the 2024 MSR are widely accessible, the report will be shared
through multiple communication channels. It will be posted on the City’s website,
supported by a media release, and promoted through eNewsletters, rack cards, and
social media platforms. A limited number of printed copies will be available at various
City events and workshops. In addition, the City will share the MSR with community
partners, agencies, and service providers.
In conclusion, the purpose of this report is to share the 2024 MSR. The 2024 MSR is
intended to provide a clear, data-informed picture of Pickering’s sustainability progress
through the lens of 33 specific indicators. By identifying achievements, highlighting
areas for improvement, and outlining practical actions that residents can take, the report
helps strengthen the City’s ability to plan effectively, engage the community, and guide
collective action toward a more inclusive, and sustainable future.
Attachment:
1.2024 Measuring Sustainability Report
Prepared By:
Original Signed By
Melanie Edmond, HBSc.
Coordinator, Sustainability
Original Signed By
Chantal Whitaker, BESc (Hons), CSR-P
Manager, Sustainability & Strategic
Environmental Initiatives
Approved/Endorsed By:
Original Signed By
Kyle Bentley, P. Eng.
Director, City Development & CBO
ME:ld
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SUS 05-25 September 2, 2025
Page 5
Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering City Council
Original Signed By
Marisa Carpino, M.A.
Chief Administrative Officer
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Attachment 1 to Report SUS 05-25
2024 MeasuringSustainability Report
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City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability 3
Table of Contents
Table of Contents 3
Land Acknowledgment 5
A Message from the Mayor 6
A Message from the Chief Administrative Officer 7
Executive Summary 8
Introduction 9
Healthy Environment 10
1.Number of days when the Air Quality Health Index is above 7 (high risk)11
2.Surface Water Quality Index for key watersheds 13
3.Percentage of swimming days posted as unsafe 14
4.Species richness and sensitivity of plants and animals 16
5.Number of trees planted by the City, Region of Durham, Toronto and Region
Conservation Authority, Ontario Power Generation, and the Local Enhancement
and Appreciation of Forests organization 20
6.*New indicator* Area of natural cover 24
7.*New Indicator* Quality of natural cover 28
8.*New Indicator* Area and percentage of impervious cover 29
Healthy Society 30
9.*New indicator* Neighbourhood satisfaction – social connection 31
10.*New indicator* Neighbourhood satisfaction – physical connection and
accessibility to amenities 32
11.*New indicator* Annual attendance at events, and performances within Pickering 34
35
38
38
39
42
12.Voter turnout for municipal elections
13.Childhood asthma prevalence
14.Percentage of Pickering residents (ages 18+) who report excellent or very good
mental health
15.Percentage of Pickering residents (ages 18+) who report excellent or very good
overall health
16.Number of crimes against persons or property
17.*New indicator* Respondents' perception of weather-related emergencies
impacting the community 44
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City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability4
Healthy Economy 46
18.Employment rate 47
19.Unemployment rate 48
20.*New indicator* Job distribution by sector 50
21.Median household income of economic families 54
Responsible Development 56
22.Percentage of employed labour force commuting to work by walking, bicycling,
and taking public transit 57
23.Median commuting distance to work 58
24.*New indicator* Sustainable mode share 61
25.Length of off-road trails, multi-use pathways, and on-road bike lanes 62
26.*New indicator* Ratio of people to parkland 63
27.Land area designated for agricultural purposes and percentage in use 63
Responsible Consumption 64
28.Energy consumed by municipal buildings, per person 65
29.Greenhouse gas emitted by municipal operations, per person 66
30.Daily volume of municipal water used, per person 71
31.Total annual amount of residential solid waste generated, per person 72
32.Percentage of residential waste diverted 73
33.*New indicator* Household responsible consumption practices 74
Appendix A – Methodology 78
Appendix B – Sustainability Checklist for Pickering Residents 80
Appendix C – Sources 82
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City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability 5
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that the City of Pickering resides on land within the Treaty
and traditional territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation
and Williams Treaties signatories of the Mississauga and Chippewa Nations.
Pickering is also home to many Indigenous persons and communities who
represent other diverse, distinct, and autonomous Indigenous nations. This
acknowledgement reminds us of our responsibilities to our relationships with
the First Peoples of Canada, and to the ancestral lands on which we learn,
share, work, and live.
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City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability6
Building a Healthy
and Complete City
A Message from the Mayor
This year marks a historic milestone - 25 years
since Pickering officially became a city. On
January 1, 2000, as the world held its breath
in anticipation of a new millennium, Pickering
boldly stepped forward, embracing the future
with vision and purpose. That same fearless
spirit continues to guide our journey today.
As one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities, we recognize that growth alone does not create a truly
vibrant and livable community. A thriving city must be intentional in its development, ensuring balance
between economic opportunity, sustainability, and an exceptional quality of life. That is why Pickering
remains steadfast in its commitment to building a complete community, one that attracts the best and
brightest residents, businesses, and innovators eager to contribute to our shared success.
The 2024 Measuring Sustainability Report reflects our dedication to this vision. It highlights the steps
we’ve taken and reinforces the choices we must continue to make for a greener, more resilient future.
Thoughtful planning and responsible growth ensure that as Pickering flourishes, we do so with
purpose, protecting our natural spaces while building our economic foundation and strengthening the
ties of community.
I’m fiercely proud that our leadership and commitment to sustainability and community-building
are gaining national recognition. For the past two consecutive years, The Globe and Mail has named
Pickering one of Canada’s most livable cities, reaffirming what we already know: Pickering is a place
where people want to live, work, and thrive. This distinction is a testament to the vision, hard work, and
shared commitment of our residents, businesses, community groups, and local leaders.
As we celebrate this milestone year, this living document will serve as a roadmap for our future,
offering valuable insights and a framework to ensure Pickering continues to grow responsibly, embrace
innovation, and attract top talent. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a thriving, sustainable,
and forward-thinking city that will inspire generations to come.
Kevin Ashe
Mayor, City of Pickering
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City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability 7
Toward a More
Sustainable Pickering
A Message from the Chief Administrative Officer
I am delighted to present Pickering’s 2024
Measuring Sustainability Report. This
comprehensive document is a testament to
our ongoing commitment to building a more
sustainable and dynamic community.
Since publishing our first report in 2010, we have tracked our progress, refined our approach,
and strengthened our commitment to sustainability. Over time, we have developed a more
comprehensive framework for assessment, and the 2024 report now features 33 indicators
across five focus areas: Healthy Environment, Healthy Society, Healthy Economy, Responsible
Development, and Responsible Consumption.
The report highlights the impactful actions taken by the City and its partners to drive meaningful
progress, while also identifying areas for improvement. Through this ongoing collaboration, we
continue to advance positive outcomes and strengthen our commitment to sustainability. As
well, the report offers practical tips for residents to integrate sustainable practices into their daily
lives, reinforcing that sustainability is a shared journey.
I am proud that Pickering’s sustainability leadership is earning national recognition, with the
Sustainable Housing Foundation honouring the City for its forward-thinking approach and
commitment to working with the building community through our Integrated Sustainable
Design Standards (ISDS), which guides growing development with cutting-edge green
technology, best practices, and a balance of flexibility and high-performance sustainability.
As other cities look to Pickering’s example, our leadership continues to shape the future of
sustainable development nationwide.
I am extremely proud of the innovative steps we have taken to foster a greener, healthier, and more
prosperous Pickering. As we move forward, we remain committed to making Pickering a model of
sustainability, where quality of life continues to be enhanced for all who live, work, and play here.
Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to Pickering’s vibrant and resilient future.
Marisa Carpino
Chief Administrative Officer
City of Pickering
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City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability8
Executive Summary
Pickering continues its work toward becoming a more sustainable city. Key to the success of
this transformation is collecting, tracking data on our progress, and reporting.
Where we started
The City produced its first partial report on measuring sustainability in 2010. The 2010 report
included metrics for indicators identified in consultation with staff, stakeholders, and residents.
A second report was produced in 2012 and a third in 2017.
With each new report, including the fourth and latest report in 2024, it has become possible
to recognize some general trends within Pickering that can help clarify our community’s
sustainability profile and priorities as they change over time.
Where we are today
This Measuring Sustainability Report outlines the progress on existing and newly introduced
indicators. You can read more about the process behind indicator selection in Appendix A –
Methodology.
This report includes findings from a community survey done in early 2024. The City conducted
a survey to gather perspectives of Pickering’s residents on sustainability and to learn what
households are doing to support sustainability in the community.
The report covers a total of 33 indicators, numbered 1 to 33 for ease of reference. The indicators
are grouped into the following five focus areas: Healthy Environment, Healthy Society, Healthy
Economy, Responsible Development, and Responsible Consumption.
The report conveys the status of each indicator and highlights actions taken by the City
and community partners to support ongoing progress. As well, the report includes tips for
community members to use in their daily lives, as we work together toward a more sustainable
Pickering for all.
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City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability 9
Introduction
The 2024 Pickering Measuring Sustainability Report provides a comprehensive framework for
evaluating how the City is advancing its sustainability goals, which align with the objectives of
its Corporate Strategic Plan.
The report’s five focus areas — Healthy Environment, Healthy Society, Healthy Economy,
Responsible Development, and Responsible Consumption — mirror the priorities for building
a more resilient, inclusive, and environmentally conscious community set out in the City’s
strategic plan.
To help inform the development of the report, the City conducted a community survey in early
2024. The feedback gathered offered insight into residents’ evolving sustainability priorities and
reinforced the importance of shared responsibility in shaping a more sustainable Pickering.
By tracking indicators across the five focus areas, the report highlights trends and progress in
environmental stewardship, economic resilience, and social well-being. This report is designed
to share information with the community and help the City, along with its community partners,
guide decision-making and align efforts.
While this report provides a snapshot of progress, its primary purpose is to present indicator
data to support ongoing monitoring and communication. The report is not intended to
prescribe actions or require decisions at this time. Also, it does not detail the specific elements
behind each indicator, all of the actions taken to date to address, or that which could be
initiated in the future. As indicators span multiple sectors, detailed implementation updates
can be found in the specific plans and reports of the relevant departments or agencies.
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10 City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
Healthy Environment
A healthy environment refers to the condition and integrity of the air we
breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and the natural areas we enjoy.
To measure the health of Pickering’s environment, we reported on eight
indicators across the following five categories: Air Quality, Water Quality,
Biodiversity, Urban Forest, and Natural Cover.
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11City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
Air Quality
The Air Quality Health Index measures air quality in relation to human health on a scale from 1 to
10. The higher the number, the greater the associated human health risk. Numbers 1 to 3 indicate
a low risk, 4 to 6 a moderate risk, and 7 to 10 a high risk. When air pollution is extremely high, the
number is reported as 10+.
The index measures a combination of common air pollutants known to be harmful to human
health. They include:
• ozone (O3) at ground level
• particulate matter (PM2.5/PM10)
• nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
Ontario has 38 Air Quality Health Index monitoring stations that provide real-time data and
air quality reading for each location. This report uses air quality readings from the Toronto East
Monitoring Station.
1. Number of days when the Air Quality Health Index is above 7 (high risk)
Table 1 shows the number of days when the Air Quality Health Index reached a level of
moderate or above for Pickering.
Table 1. Number of days when the Air Quality Health Index was at moderate risk or above
Source: Government of Ontario Air Quality Health Index
Moderate Risk
(4-6)
High Risk
(7-10)
Very High Risk
(10+)
2015 (Baseline)70 days 0 0
2017 34 days 1 day 0
2023 35 days 1 day 1 day
According to the Air Quality Health Index 2021 Report issued by the Ontario Ministry of the
Environment, Conservation and Parks in 2023, air quality in Ontario can vary from year to year
owing to a variety of factors. Those factors include pollutant emissions, weather, natural events such
as forest fires, and the long-range transport of air pollutants from elsewhere.
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12 City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
What the City is doing to promote better
air quality and reduce air pollution
Acquiring Cleaner Vehicles for the City’s Fleet
To support and encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, in 2023, the City installed six electric
vehicle charging ports at the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex. This includes two
Level 3 fast chargers, a first for a Durham Region municipality. The City also has installed six Level
2 charging ports at the Pickering Operations Centre. For its Corporate vehicle fleet, four double EV
stations were installed with the capability to charge eight vehicles in the parking garage at City Hall.
The City also has two Level 2 charging ports in its garage for servicing and charging of its electric
vehicle fleet.
Using Cleaner Property Maintenance Tools
The City has invested in a range of battery-powered property maintenance tools, such as
lithium-ion powered line trimmers, hedge trimmers, handheld blowers, chainsaws, snowblowers,
and portable rechargeable battery generators. In 2021, the City also purchased it’s first two EV
zero-turn riding lawn mowers. Benefits of using electric tools include improved air quality, lower
costs and maintenance, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Smart Commute
In partnership with Smart Commute Durham, the City continues to participate in the Smart
Commute Program, which provides tools and resources to encourage and support cycling,
walking, carpooling, and transit as convenient ways to get around.
Water Quality
Directly or indirectly, clean water affects all aspects of life on Earth. The biodiversity of our streams
and lakes depends on abundant, clean water, as does our own human health and well-being.
We need water for agriculture, fishing, manufacturing, and other commercial activities, and for
recreational activities like swimming and boating. People rely on high quality water for drinking
and household use.
This report uses Water Quality Index data collected by the Toronto and Region Conservation
Authority. The index summarizes water quality conditions from multiple measurements into a
single indicator of water quality. Values range between 0 and 100. Higher values indicate that
water quality meets the guidelines more frequently and is considered higher quality.
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13City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
2010 = 2007-2009 average (baseline)
2017 = 2010-2013 average
2022 = 2018-2022 average
Source: Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s Watershed and Ecosystems Reporting Hub
Location 2010 2017 2022 Comments
Duffins
Creek 51 (marginal)54 (marginal)48 (marginal)Marginal quality is mainly due to
phosphorus and E. coli
Petticoat
Creek no data 38 (poor)23 (poor)
Poor quality is mainly due to
chloride and E. coli, but also
phosphorus
Frenchman’s
Bay
(Pine Creek)
no data 27 (poor)20 (poor)
Poor quality is mainly due to
chloride and E. coli, but also
phosphorus
2. Surface Water Quality Index for key watersheds
Table 2 shows the Surface Water Quality Index readings for Pickering. The readings are based on
the levels of five key pollutants sampled at the main rivers and creeks. The five pollutants are:
1. chloride (e.g., from road salt)
2. Escherichia coli bacteria (E. coli)
3. phosphorus (total phosphorus)
4. nitrogen (nitrate)
5. suspended sediments (total suspended solids)
Table 2. Surface Water Quality Index for key watersheds
Since the first report, there have been several changes in how Toronto and Region Conservation
Authority measures and assesses water quality. For example, in the first report, total nitrogen
was included in the calculation (along with nitrate) and the Toronto and Region Conservation
Authority no longer receives total nitrogen data from some labs. Also, water quality guidelines
have changed for chloride and nitrate. To ensure valid comparisons over time, a subset of
parameters from the first report and the updated guidelines to recalculate Water Quality Index
values for each time period was used.
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14 City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
The decrease in the five-year average for 2019 to 2023 shows
a positive trend compared with the baseline average.
Source: Region of Durham Health Department
Period
Frenchman’s Bay West
(Rotary Frenchman’s Bay
West Park at the foot of
West Shore Boulevard)
Frenchman’s Bay East
(Beachfront Park at foot of
Liverpool Road)
Five-year average,
2005 to 2009 (baseline)13%13%
Five-year average,
2012 to 2016 21%11%
Five-year average,
2019 to 2023 11%8%
3. Percentage of swimming days posted as unsafe
Beach postings indicate the number of days a beach is considered unsafe because of high bacteria
levels. This indicator shows those days as a percentage relative to the total number of days a beach
is open for swimming. Environmental factors such as recent rainfall, wave strength, presence of
waterfowl, and number of bathers may contribute to poor bacteriological water quality resulting in
beach postings
Table 3. Percentage of swimming days posted as unsafe
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15City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
What the City and others are doing to improve water quality in Pickering
Managing Road Salt
Pickering’s Salt Management Program ensures the efficient use and storage of road salt to keep
the amount of salt entering the surface water and groundwater system as low as possible. All City
salt trucks are equipped with a salt controller with settings that apply the salt at three different
rates. All trucks have GPS units that record where salt has been applied. These numbers are
tracked for each weather event and for the entire season. Quality control and calibration of salt
application equipment is completed annually to ensure that the City meets Provincial regulations.
Managing the Canada Goose Population
A Goose Control Program is coordinated in the community that includes egg oiling to prevent
eggs from hatching, and rounding up and relocating geese to reduce shoreline contamination
caused by droppings. In 2024, this program managed 11 Canada goose nests containing 59 eggs
and 17 mute swan nests containing 78 eggs. As well, 61 Canada geese were rounded up and
relocated.
Improving Water Quality in Duffins Creek
The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority prepared a Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and
Carruthers Creek in consultation with the City of Pickering and other government stakeholders,
as well as non-government and community stakeholders. The plan identified ten key
management actions.
Improving Water Quality in Frenchman’s Bay
Implementation projects as part of the City’s Frenchman’s Bay Stormwater Management Master
Plan include:
•a new stormwater management pond in the Krosno Creek watershed
•erosion control measures along Amberlea Creek, Pine Creek, and Krosno Creek
•the installation of oil and grit separators to the stormwater system south of Kingston Road
•restoration of the eroded valley wall along Amberlea Creek to help protect against slope
instability, channel erosion, and reduce sediment levels in Frenchman’s Bay
Controlling invasive phragmites
The City worked with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority on a pilot project to
control phragmites, an invasive plant, in the ditches along Brockridge Community Park, Sandy
Beach Road, and Sunbird Trail Park. The Hydro Marsh, east of Frenchman’s Bay, is owned and
managed by Ontario Power Generation, which also undertook its own phragmites control
program in the marsh.
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16 City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
Biodiversity
Species richness refers to the number of different species in a given
area. High species richness indicates that the ecosystem is more
diverse, providing a variety of services, and enhancing its resilience
and adaptability.
Species sensitivity refers to the degree to which species are affected
by environmental changes. Species sensitivity shows the vulnerability of
species and the need for conservation measures and is an indicator of
environmental health.
It is important to maintain diverse and resilient ecosystems, which will
continue to support a variety of species and human needs and adapt to
changes, thereby promoting long-term environmental sustainability and the
well-being of future generations.
4. Species richness and sensitivity of plants and animals
Established in 2008, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s Terrestrial
Long-term Monitoring Program looks at changes in wetland, forest, and
meadow communities, and species that live in these habitats across the
conservation authority jurisdiction.
Inventories are completed in different areas every year, and the number of
inventory areas has decreased in recent years. As a result, it is difficult to draw
direct comparisons between different years.
Table 4. Species richness and sensitivity of plants and animals
Species
Type
Observation
Period
Total
Number
of Species
Total
Number
of Native
Species
Number of
Species of
Regional
Conservation
Concern
Plant
Species 2008-2023 138 112 68
Animal
Species 2012-2022 79 79 40
Source: Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s Watershed and Ecosystems Reporting Hub
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17City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability- 27 -
18 City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
The number of Species of Regional Conservation Concern include species under L1 to L3 ranking
(Local rank [L-rank] system) based on Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s scoring and
ranking system.
During the observation period the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority reports species
richness in the recommended range of 15 years for plants and 10 years for animals.
Reducing the spread
of invasive species
Invasive species pose a major threat to biodiversity. Sometimes called exotic species, these plants,
animals, or insects originate from outside Ontario. They can invade local meadows, woodlands,
wetlands, and waters, damaging and pushing out the native plants and animals that belong there.
Measures to reduce the spread of invasive species include planting native wildflowers, trees, and
shrubs in affected areas, and educating anglers and boaters to clean their boats, fishing gear, or
other equipment before travelling to a new area to prevent transporting an invasive species.
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19City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
What the City and others are doing to promote the health and diversity
of terrestrial plants and animals
Mayors’ Monarch Pledge
Pollinators such as butterflies, birds, and bees play a vital role in maintaining a healthy
environment and sustainable food system. As part of the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge launched by
the National Wildlife Federation, the City has committed to taking action to support pollinator
populations. These actions include planting native species, removing invasive species, supporting
native seed giveaways, connecting with garden groups, and building public awareness of the
value of pollinators to a healthy ecosystem.
Bring Back the Salmon
In partnership with the Pickering Public Library and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters,
the City collaborated on a salmon hatchery at the library. This allows library patrons to observe
and learn about the Atlantic salmon’s life cycle and the importance of biodiversity. The hatchery
produces 100 to 200 Atlantic salmon for release into Duffins Creek each year.
Clear Your Gear Program
The City has partnered with Ontario Power Generation and a Canadian volunteer-run fishing
line recycling network called Clear Your Gear to help protect waterfowl found along Pickering’s
waterfront. To date, eight fishing line receptacles have been installed in key locations. The
receptacles help reduce the amount of litter and debris left on the ground, which can result in
injury to many wildlife species.
Monitoring Beaver Activity
The City embraces the critical role that beavers play in our ecosystem. Beaver dams can help
create wetlands and reduce erosion to our waterways, as well as benefit rivers, streams, and local
fish populations. When beaver activity is present, City staff monitor the area to protect properties
and high value trees. Staff evaluate each situation individually and take a collaborative approach
across departments and partnering organizations to determine the best solution.
Preventing and Reducing Wildlife Road Deaths
The City, along with other local and regional governments, is working with the Toronto and Region
Conservation Authority to help create safe passageways for terrestrial and aquatic species through
the Road Ecology Project. Roads act as barriers between habitats, and crossing guidelines are
needed to support measures to prevent animals from being killed while trying to cross a road.
The Crossing Guidelines for Valley and Stream Corridors, developed by the Toronto and Region
Conservation Authority in partnership with Peel Region, York Region, the University of Toronto,
and the Canadian Water Network, help create safe passageways for terrestrial and aquatic species
throughout the jurisdiction. Pickering Animal Services staff have also been working with Parks
Canada, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Eco-Kare International, and the Toronto
Zoo on ways to reduce turtle and other wildlife mortality along Finch Avenue and the Pickering
Scarborough Townline near Amos Pond.
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20 City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
Year Trees Planted
2010
(Baseline)6,180
2015 5,354
2017 16,243
2023 44,681
Source: City of Pickering, Region of Durham, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, and the Local Enhancement and
Appreciation of Forests organization
The community-wide effort has contributed to a positive trend in the number of trees planted
since 2017.
Lessening Harmful Effects on Rodents
In December 2023, Pickering City Council endorsed a policy to establish a humane pest
management program on City properties while banning non-essential use of pesticides to kill
rodents (rodenticides).
Protecting Endangered Wildlife
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources is working on recovery planning for species at
risk in the province. Through its review of development proposals, the City implements the
requirements of the Provincial Endangered Species Act to take action to protect species at risk.
Urban Forest
The urban forest includes all trees, shrubs, and understory plants that grow on public and private
property in Pickering, as well as the soils that sustain them. A healthy and resilient urban forest
benefits the community, as trees absorb carbon dioxide, improve air quality, reduce stormwater
runoff, help control erosion, and provide recreational, health, and social benefits. These benefits
increase as trees grow larger.
5. Number of trees planted by the City, Region of Durham, Toronto and Region
Conservation Authority, Ontario Power Generation, and the Local Enhancement and
Appreciation of Forests organization
Table 5. Trees planted per year in Pickering
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21City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
What the City and others are doing to promote tree cover
Backyard Tree Planting Program
In 2020, the City launched a Backyard Tree Planting Program in partnership with the Region of
Durham and a non-profit organization, Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF).
This program gives residents an opportunity to add native trees or shrubs to their property at a
discounted rate.
Take Pride in Pickering
The City hosts two community tree planting events through Take Pride in Pickering, a joint
venture with Ontario Power Generation, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, and other
partners. At these events, community members help plant trees, shrubs and other plants, clean
up litter, and maintain existing planting areas.
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22 City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
Enhancing Parks and Boulevards
Every year, the City’s tree planting program adds nearly 400
large caliper trees across City parks and boulevards.
Commemorative Tree Program
The City’s Commemorative Tree Program allows the public to
pay tribute to a loved one by purchasing a tree for installation in
a public park or open space.
Durham TREES program
The Region of Durham and its five local conservation authorities
have collaborated to form Durham TREES. It’s a subsidized tree-
planting program for private landowners willing to plant at least
two acres with a minimum of 500 trees. The program’s goal is to
increase tree cover in Durham Region by 30 percent or more.
Identifying Tree Planting Sites
City staff worked with Toronto and Region Conservation
Authority to complete a desktop analysis of potential tree
planting sites. Through this analysis, areas were identified to fill
existing tree canopy gaps and complete restoration projects.
Updating the Urban Forest Study
The City is updating its 2012 Urban Forest Study and Canopy
Cover Assessment, to expand the study area, assess the current
state of the urban forest, to monitor changes to its condition,
and act as a guide for long-term urban forest planning.
Preventing the Loss of Trees
Pickering City Council approved a Tree Protection By-law
8073/24 in the spring of 2024. The by-law prevents the
destruction of healthy trees in the specified tree protection
areas, in an effort to protect and preserve the environment.
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23City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability- 33 -
24 City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
Natural Cover
Natural cover is the percentage of land with forest, meadow, wetland, or beach bluff habitat.
The quality, quantity, and distribution of natural cover are linked to water and air quality, climate
change, and levels of biodiversity.
6. *New indicator* Area of natural cover
This indicator identifies the percentage of natural cover in the creek and river valleys that traverse
the city. Pickering currently has 8,417.5 hectares of natural cover, which accounts for around 38
percent of its land.
Table 6 only includes lands within the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s jurisdiction.
The methodology for classifying natural cover has changed over time. Historically, natural cover
was not measured in the same way, which may explain the increase in some natural cover types
(e.g., wetland and successional forest cover).
Table 6. Area of natural cover in Pickering within TRCA jurisdiction
Year Beach/
Bluff Wetland Successional
Forest Meadow Forest Total
2007 Area
(hectares) 10.9 313.4 678.7 2,408.2 4,398.5 7,809.7
2013 Area
(hectares)14.7 528.7 621.1 2,134.9 4,991.3 8,290.7
2017 Area
(hectares) 13.5 567.3 693.1 1,599.6 4,807.3 7,680.8
Source: Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s Watershed and Ecosystems Reporting Hub
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25City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
Table 7. Area of natural cover in Pickering within the Central Lake Ontario Conservation
Authority’s jurisdiction
Year Total Natural Cover (CLOCA)
2024 Area (hectares) 736.7
Source: 2023 Ecological Land Classification Data from Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority
In previous reports, the City used natural cover data from the Living City Report Card (2016).
Since 2021, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority reports on watershed and ecosystem
health through an online platform referred to as the Watershed and Ecosystems Reporting
Hub. The reporting hub enables users to interactively explore the latest information on current
environmental conditions and changes over time. It provides insights into the quantity of natural
cover across Pickering within Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s jurisdiction, which are
used in this report.
While the data indicates that natural cover has remained generally stable, it also shows a slight
decline over time. This trend can be attributed to factors such as the loss of natural cover,
potential changes in TRCA watershed boundaries, and methodological differences in deriving
natural cover data for 2007, 2013, and 2017.
Table 7 presents total natural cover within the conservation authority’s jurisdiction. The total
includes all natural cover attributes such as forest, meadow, successional forest, and others.
The Altona Forest
The Altona Forest is situated within the Petticoat Creek watershed and covers
about 53 hectares. The forest is owned by the Toronto and Region Conservation
Authority. Forest maintenance and monitoring are carried out in partnership
with the volunteer Altona Forest Stewardship Committee and local schools.
The Altona Forest provides essential habitat for a wide variety of plants and
animals native to Southern Ontario, including songbirds, foxes, coyotes, hawks,
and rare amphibians. The forest contributes to the region’s greenspace network
and is an important part of the Rouge-Duffins Wildlife Restoration Corridor.
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26 City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
What the City and others are doing to
increase the percentage of natural cover
Preserving Trees Whenever Possible
Pickering’s Official Plan requires an environmental impact
study when properties proposed for development include
a woodlot. The study recommendations determine whether
the woodlot must be protected in whole or in part based on
Provincial, Regional and City policies.
Working with Partners to Protect Natural Cover
The Government of Ontario protects natural cover through
the Provincial Planning Statement, the Oak Ridges Moraine
Conservation Plan, and the Greenbelt Plan. The Terrestrial Natural
Heritage Systems Strategy, developed in 2022 by the Toronto and
Region Conservation Authority, provides the data, scientific models,
mapping, and guidance to help achieve natural heritage protection
objectives.
The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority also developed
a tool that analyzes environmental data to guide ecological
restoration. The process can identify restoration opportunities and
priorities based on multiple objectives and benefits. This helps to
guide restoration planning and resource investment to support
healthier functioning ecosystems throughout the Greater Toronto
Area.
The City’s Official Plan review project (Pickering Forward) will
reevaluate the existing natural heritage boundaries in the official
plan to ensure they continue to reflect the location of natural
and hydrological features. The review will also determine
appropriate buffers from these features to ensure their long-
term protection.
Promoting Land Stewardship
The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s
Terrestrial Natural Heritage Systems Strategy recommends
restoration activities to improve the size, shape, and
function of natural cover throughout the region,
including Pickering. The conservation authority is also
continuing to monitor the quantity and quality of
natural cover to track changes over time.
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27City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability- 37 -
28 City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
7. *New Indicator* Quality of natural cover
This new indicator, quality of natural cover, includes only the area of Pickering within the
jurisdiction of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. It uses data from the conservation
authority’s watershed and ecosystems reporting hub.
Table 8. Quality of Natural Cover in Pickering in 2017
On average, quality of natural cover in Pickering (within TRCA jurisdiction) is rated as fair. This
rating is based on size, shape, and urban matrix influence, which is the influence of surrounding
land uses on ecological function. As urbanization increases, infrastructure can create more habitat
fragmentation, negatively impacting natural cover quality and ecosystem function.
Quality Rating Percentage
Good 3.5%
Fair 20.3%
Poor 10.9%
Very Poor 0.6%
Non-Natural 64.8%
Source: Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s Watershed and Ecosystems Reporting Hub
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29City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
Year Impervious Cover (hectares)
2017 2,711
Year Impervious Cover (hectares)
2023 1,687.6
Source: Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s Watershed and Ecosystems Reporting Hub
Table 10. Area and percentage of impervious cover in the Central Lake Ontario Conservation
Authority’s jurisdiction
Source: 2023 Ecological Land Classification Data from Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority
The data provides a baseline for understanding the distribution of impervious surfaces within
Pickering. Monitoring changes over time can help the community to understand the impacts of
urban development on stormwater management, water quality, and climate resilience.
8. *New Indicator* Area and percentage of impervious cover
Impervious cover means the surfaces that prevent water from naturally soaking into the ground,
such as concrete, asphalt, roads, rooftops, and other built structures. These surfaces prevent
natural water absorption, leading to increased runoff, reduced groundwater recharge, and higher
risks of flooding.
Impervious cover can contribute to water pollution by carrying pollutants into water bodies. It
can also harm aquatic habitats, worsen urban heat island effects, and increase erosion and its
impacts on water quality. Managing impervious cover is important in urban planning to ensure
healthy water cycles and lessen negative effects on the environment.
This report uses the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s 2017 impervious land use layer
and the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority impervious land use layer to report on this
indicator for the first time. This number will serve as a baseline for comparison in future years.
Table 9. Area and percentage of impervious cover in the Toronto and Region Conservation
Authority’s jurisdiction
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City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability30
Healthy Society
A healthy society refers to the physical and mental health, safety, and well-
being of the people living in the community, and how community members
relate to one another. A healthy society offers recreational and educational
opportunities for residents, as well as access to arts and culture. To measure
Pickering’s social health and well-being, we reported on nine indicators across
the following three categories: Neighbourhood Satisfaction and Engagement,
Physical and Mental Health, and Safety and Security.
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City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability 31
Neighbourhood Satisfaction and Engagement
Residents’ perceptions of their social ties help indicate the level of community cohesion and
sense of belonging within a neighbourhood. Strong connections, such as relationships with
nearby family, friends, and neighbours, can foster local engagement, including participation in
events, support for businesses, and involvement in community initiatives. These social bonds
also contribute to resilience by providing informal support systems during times of disruption or
emergency.
9. *New indicator* Neighbourhood satisfaction – social connection
According to the community survey done for this report, 45 percent of respondents agreed or
strongly agreed that they had strong social ties to their neighbourhood, 18 percent disagreed or
strongly disagreed, and 37 percent were neutral.
Table 11. Perception of the strength of social ties to neighbourhood
Perception Strongly
Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly
Agree
I have strong
social ties to my
neighbourhood
6%12%37%34%11%
Source: 2024 Measuring Sustainability Report Community Survey
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City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability32
Figure 1. Perception of the level of accessibility of amenities in Pickering
10. *New indicator* Neighbourhood satisfaction – physical
connection and accessibility to amenities
Assessing residents’ accessibility and connection to local amenities
is critical to enhance social sustainability. Increasing access and
connectivity to such amenities as parks and open spaces, recreational
areas, and other community services can promote physical and mental
well-being, encourage social interaction, strengthen community
connections, and contribute to fostering greater inclusivity and quality of life.
According to the community survey done for this report, respondents found
they had easiest access to the following amenities (from the list provided):
1. Safe recreational areas, parks, open spaces, and trails
2. A mix of housing options
3. Enhanced and protected natural environment
Source: 2024 Measuring Sustainability Report Community Survey
Active transportation infrastructure and options
Enhanced and protected natural environment
Vibrant public places and spaces
A mix of housing options 52 120 86
102 113 43
59 132 67
69 113 76
78 138 42
32 104 122
85 131 42
39 140 79
71 130 57
Institutional facilities and amenities
Employment opportunities
Safe recreational areas, parks, open spaces, and trails
Community hubs
Healthy, local and affordable food options, including urban agriculture
Difficult access Moderate access Easy access
For all but one amenity, the most common response was “moderate
access”. The exception was safe recreational areas, parks, open
spaces, and trails, which most respondents said they had “easy
access” to.
Respondents found the following amenities were more difficult to access:
1. Employment opportunities
2. Healthy, local and affordable food options, including urban agriculture
3. Institutional facilities and amenities
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City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability 33- 43 -
City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability34
11.*New indicator* Annual attendance at events, and performances within Pickering
Annual visits to facilities, events, and performances enhance social sustainability by fostering
community engagement through cultural experiences. They provide opportunities for residents
and visitors to connect, support local economies through job creation and economic activity,
and contribute to community well-being. Events like Spring Fling, ArtFest, Cultural Fusion,
Petapolooza, Fall Fling, and Winter Nights, City Lights help build cultural vibrancy and enrich
social interactions.
Table 12. Annual attendance at live events and performances within Pickering
Year 2020 2021 2022 2023
Live event attendance
(events, partner events,
cultural pop-ups)
2,184 22,000 41,965 75,097
Source: City of Pickering Community Services Department, Key Performance Indicators Report
The lower number of annual visits in 2020 is attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. Attendance
at live events was 75,097 in 2023, including partner events and cultural pop-ups. This total is a
significant increase from previous years and marks a noticeable upward trend in community
participation post-pandemic.
Pickering was named
Municipality of the Year (2025)
by Festivals & Events Ontario in
the 50,000–150,000 population
category, recognizing its vibrant
community event support.
The Cultural Fusion Festival was
selected as one of Ontario’s
Top 100 Festivals & Events in 2025,
celebrating Pickering’s rich
cultural diversity.
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City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability 35
Election year 2010 2014 2018 2022
Percentage of eligible voters
who voted in the Pickering
municipal election
32.16%34.37%29.20%27.24%
Source: City of Pickering Corporate Services Department
12. Voter turnout for municipal elections
Voter turnout for municipal elections is important to social sustainability since it demonstrates
the community’s engagement in local governance and democratic decision making. High voter
participation helps ensure that a diverse range of voices and concerns are reflected on Council
and in decision-making processes. It can also foster a sense of civic ownership and responsibility
among residents.
Table 13. Voter turnout for municipal elections
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City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability36
What the City and others are doing to encourage civic and
community participation, and volunteerism, in programs and
organizations within Pickering
Fostering an engaged and informed community is one of the City’s six corporate priorities. The
City aims to build stronger partnerships by promoting collaboration across the corporation and
with community members and organizations.
Civic and Community Participation
The City of Pickering actively fosters civic and community participation through initiatives like
Let’s Talk Pickering, an interactive platform that engages residents in meaningful discussions
about local issues, projects, and policies. Additionally, the City hosts a variety of non-mandatory
Open Houses and Public Information Centres to keep residents informed and involved in
decision-making processes. These events provide opportunities for community members to learn
about upcoming developments, ask questions, and provide feedback.
Offering Programs
The City provides hundreds of programs in sports, fitness, recreation, leisure, arts, heritage, and
culture throughout Pickering and also online. Many of these programs are specifically for youth
such as, Youth Week Celebrations, Hip Hop in the Park, skateboard competitions, and an annual
Youth Art Show. In 2024, more than 300 youth attended the Hip Hop in the Park event — the
highest attendance for the event to date.
Providing Training and Networking Opportunities
The City offers a Camp Counsellor in Training Program for youth 13 to 14 years old. Participants
learn about healthy play and childhood development, and how to be active in their community.
The program includes sessions on goal-setting, volunteer opportunities, networking, leadership,
and conflict resolution.
As well, youth can sign up for babysitter training. The full-day course covers important aspects of
babysitting, such as safety skills, emergencies, and conflict resolution.
Working with the School Boards
The City maintains strong working relationships with the Durham District School Board, Durham
Catholic District School Board, and Viamonde School Board. Youth staff from the City’s Free Teen
Stuff programs attend presentations and outreach sessions at local elementary and secondary
schools to encourage participation in free events, sports, and hubs.
Supporting Interactive History at Pickering Museum Village
More than 60 volunteers contributed a total of more than 1,500 hours at the Pickering Museum
Village to support programs in 2023. Volunteers performed a wide range of tasks behind the
scenes and also served as program greeters. Youth volunteers also shared their feedback on the
design of the museum’s new ForgingOn website.
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City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability 37
Pickering Public Library
The Pickering Public Library offers volunteer and learning opportunities for youth through
various programs such as the Teen Advisory Group and co-op placements. The library also offers
adults the opportunity to give back to their community through the Seed Library and the Books+
Express homebound reader programs.
Encouraging Volunteerism
The City continues to value and encourage the involvement of volunteers within a wide range
of programs, events, and services. In 2023, a total of 289 volunteers provided 10,802 hours of
volunteer service.
Recognizing Those Who Contribute
The City recognizes residents, associations, and businesses who have made a significant
contribution to Pickering through its Civic Awards. Award categories include the environment,
cultural diversity, youth leadership, heritage, volunteerism, accessibility, green builder, animal
advocate, economic development, lifetime achievement, among others.
Ovee Outreach Vehicle - Expanding Library Access
The Pickering Public Library’s Ovee Outreach Vehicle delivers library services directly to
neighbourhoods farther from existing branches. Residents could browse materials, attend
events, sign up for cards, and pick up holds, making library resources more accessible and
community-focused.
Pickering Public Library
received two major awards
in 2024: the Les Fowlie
Intellectual Freedom Award
for championing access to
information, and the Joyce
Cunningham Award for its
innovative partnership with
Durham Region Children’s
Aid Society on the 2023
Drag Queen Storytimes.
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City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability38
Physical and Mental Health
13. Childhood asthma prevalence
Childhood asthma prevalence is a valuable indicator of environmental health, housing quality,
and access to healthcare in communities. Research by the Canadian Institute for Health
Information (Asthma Hospitalizations Among Children and Youth in Canada: Trends and
Inequalities, 2018) shows that exposure to air pollution, inadequate housing conditions, and
income-associated environmental factors are key contributors to childhood asthma rates.
Monitoring this metric helps identify and address these underlying factors to improve public
health outcomes and promote equity.
Table 14. Childhood (ages 0 to 14) asthma prevalence in Pickering
Year Percentage
2013 19.4%
2016 16.9%
Year Pickering 5-year average Regional 5-year average
2014 to
2018 70%69%
Source: Region of Durham Health Department
Source: Region of Durham Health Department
The last available reporting in 2016 shows a decrease in the prevalence of childhood asthma
in Pickering compared with the previous reporting period, indicating a positive trend.
14. Percentage of Pickering residents (ages 18+) who report excellent or very good mental
health
Promoting positive mental health in daily life is beneficial for everyone. According to the Public
Health Agency of Canada, positive mental health is a key determinant of a person’s ability to
participate in community life, build strong social networks, and contribute to shared goals.
Excellent or very good mental health can support active community engagement and enhances
overall social cohesion.
Table 15 shows the percentage of Pickering and Durham Region residents (ages 18+) who
reported excellent or very good mental health, based on data collected by the Region of Durham
Health Department for the years 2014 to 2018.
Table 15. Percentage of residents (ages 18+) who report excellent or very good mental health
This data provides a baseline for tracking residents’ self-reported mental health in future
reporting cycles. Ongoing monitoring can help inform programs that support mental well-being
and strengthen community connections across Pickering.
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City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability 39
Year Pickering 5-year
average
Regional 5-year
average
2009 to 2013 62%
(baseline)
60%
2014 to 2018 57%56%
Source: Region of Durham Health Department
15. Percentage of Pickering residents (ages 18+) who report excellent or very good overall
health
Perceived health is an indicator developed by the Canadian Institute for Health Information.
The indicator measures, on a scale from excellent to poor, how individuals perceive their overall
health, including physical, mental, and social well-being — not just the absence of disease. Self-
reported good-to-excellent health can be linked to lower risks of illness and mortality, and to
reduced use of health services.
Table 16 shows the percentage of Pickering and Durham Region residents (ages 18+) who
reported excellent or very good overall health, based on data collected by the Region of Durham
Health Department for the years 2009 to 2018.
Table 16. Percentage of residents (ages 18+) who report excellent or very good overall health
Since the last reported five-year average, adults (18+) in Pickering who said they had excellent or
very good overall health decreased to 57 percent compared with 62 percent in the baseline five-
year average. These results highlight the importance of continued support for health promotion,
active living, and community well-being initiatives.
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City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability40
What the City and others are doing to promote physical and mental
health, and access to medical resources
Improving Access to Health Care
The City is committed to enhancing access to both physical and mental health resources through
several key initiatives. As part of this, the City invested $250,000 in the Base Hospital at the Jerry
Coughlan Health & Wellness Centre, supporting a wide range of services including primary and
urgent care, mental health supports, diagnostic imaging, specialist care, and essential training for
paramedics, firefighters, and health staff.
To help address the shortage of family doctors in the region, the Durham Family Physician
Recruitment Strategy was endorsed by Council in early 2024. This initiative aims to attract and
retain family medicine trainees and physicians, and includes hiring a dedicated recruiter through
the Durham Ontario Health Team.
Community Grant Program
The City also strengthens community health through its Community Grant program, which funds
local organizations and projects that support community gardens, food banks, and initiatives that
build local engagement and well-being.
Encouraging Participation in Recreation Programs
The City provides year-round recreation programs for all ages, including squash, tennis,
racquetball, pickleball, learn-to-swim classes, public swimming, and skating. A subsidy program
is offered so that qualifying families can enroll in recreation programs at a discounted rate. Free
or discounted activities and classes are also offered during holidays and for other special events.
Pickering has many camp programs for youth and the Pickering Public Library also offers free
programs and resources that support a healthy lifestyle for all ages.
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City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability 41
Offering Fitness Programs
The City offers high-quality fitness programs and services for all ages and abilities across the
community. Certified fitness professionals deliver specialized group fitness classes, small group
training programs, and a range of personal training services. A subsidy program helps qualifying
individuals to enroll in group fitness programs at a discounted rate.
Making Space Available for Sports Organizations
The City supports a range of local sports organizations to use municipal facilities for practices,
programs, and events. Some current users include the Pickering Swim Club, Pickering Master
Splashers, the Pickering Hockey Association, and the Pickering Soccer Club. As well, pool space
is provided for the Durham District School Board to use for high school physical education
programs and swimming teams.
Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace
The City’s Mental Wellness Committee launched new initiatives in 2024 to promote staff well-being,
including Mental Health First Aid training, wellness workshops, recreational activities, and comfort
visits from Therapeutic Paws of Canada, reinforcing a culture of mental health awareness and support.
Wellness Checks
The City works with regional and community partners to provide coordinated wellness checks
and outreach services that support individuals experiencing housing insecurity. These efforts
help connect residents to critical health, housing, and social supports.
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City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability42
Safety and Security
Low crime rates can build up community trust, increase quality of life, and encourage economic
investment. This helps to foster a shared sense of safety, promote social cohesion, and attract
businesses and residents. Reporting on crime statistics can help us to understand overall safety.
16. Number of crimes against persons or property
Table 17. Crime statistics for City of Pickering
Incident 2021 2022 2023
Reported property crime 1,464 1,722 2,216
Reported violent crime 433 551 601
Source: Durham Regional Police Service Monthly Crime and Traffic Statistics Dashboard, 2023
The crime data in this report differs from previous reports because it focuses exclusively on
Pickering and separates incidents into violent crime and property crime. Earlier reports aggregated
data for Ajax and Pickering (using information from Division 19 Ajax-Pickering) and presented total
Criminal Code violations, making it difficult to identify trends specific to Pickering or differentiate
between types of crimes. This newer data available from Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS)
provides clearer insight. The trend in this data indicates a rise over the three-year reporting period.
What the City and others are doing to address safety
Implementing Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
The City incorporates the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED),
in the design of city parks and facilities and during the review of site plan submissions for private
developments. Features such as natural surveillance, landscaping, lighting, access control, and
circulation play an important role in creating a safe environment.
Encouraging the Public to Report Problems
The City encourages residents, local businesspeople to report problems that affect the quality
of life in Pickering, such as graffiti, vandalism, and littering. Opportunities are provided to make
reporting easy, including submitting an online Service Request or contacting Customer Care.
Community Safety Days
DRPS regularly hosts interactive events featuring police, fire, and paramedic services to engage
residents and promote public safety awareness.
Project Impact & Road Watch
Ongoing traffic enforcement initiatives target major intersections (e.g., routes along Kingston
Road) to reduce speeding and enhance road safety.
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City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability 43
Compliance Checks
Regular compliance checks are conducted by DRPS to ensure individuals with court-ordered
conditions adhere to their legal requirements, supporting community safety.
Crime Prevention Education
DRPS delivers public education sessions on fraud prevention, cyber safety, and personal security.
Hosting Community Safety Meetings
The City supported Community Safety Meetings with DRPS and local groups. These sessions
focused on auto theft, frauds and scams, and cyberbullying—engaged 72 residents and
strengthened public awareness and shared responsibility for safety.
Safety, Self Defence & Walking Home
The City partnered with Villari’s Martial Arts Centre to offer a free safety and self-defence
workshop, led by Master Joan Richert. This initiative strives to empower residents to feel
confident and secure in their daily lives.
Security Cameras
In 2024, the City operated 295 Closed Circuit Television cameras across municipal spaces. New
installations and upgrades were completed to strengthen public safety.
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City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability44
What the City and others are doing to address climate change
Pickering Community Climate Adaptation Plan
The City’s 10-year Community Climate Adaptation Plan is a strategic and collaborative plan to
help the Pickering community prepare for, and adapt to, different weather-related emergencies.
This plan aligns with many municipal and regionally approved plans and builds upon important
actions the City and community stakeholders are doing. Those actions include establishing
warming and cooling centres at City facilities, developing naturalization projects, shade
structures, and splash pads, carrying out waterfront restoration, and sharing weather alerts and
service disruptions.
These results establish a baseline for understanding community perceptions of weather-related
risks and can help guide future education about preparedness and adaptation initiatives.
Source: 2024 Community Climate Adaptation Plan Community Survey
Perception Percentage
Very concerned 44%
Somewhat
concerned 49%
Not Concerned or
Other 7%
Perception of Climate Change Impacting the Community
Climate change will affect each community differently, depending on the community’s sensitivity
and capacity to adapt to these changes. All these impacts have physical, economic, and societal
consequences. In southern Ontario, we have already witnessed shorter winters and earlier
springs, changes in precipitation patterns, increased weather variability, and more frequent
extreme weather events.
17. *New indicator* Respondents’ perception of weather-related emergencies impacting
the community
Findings of the community survey conducted in 2024 for Pickering’s Community Climate
Adaptation Plan suggest that a vast majority of respondents are either very concerned or
somewhat concerned about the impacts of weather-related emergencies.
Table 18. Respondents’ perception on weather-related emergencies impacting the community
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City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability 45
Durham Environmental and Climate Advisory Committee
This committee of Durham Council advises on environmental planning and climate change.
This includes engaging the community in environmental stewardship through programs and
activities that encourage participation in conservation efforts such as the Durham Environmental
Achievement Awards.
Durham Climate Roundtable
The Durham Climate Roundtable is a leadership body whose members include organizations
from across the Durham Region, including regional and local government, as well as corporate
and community organizations. Roundtable members are committed to working together to
address climate change through actions in the region that support Canada’s commitment of
reaching net-zero carbon by 2050. The Roundtable runs the annual Durham Climate Forum to
engage the community and partners.
Flood Ready Durham Website
A partnership between the Region of Durham, local municipalities, conservation authorities,
and the Climate Risk Institute, the Flood Ready Durham website provides Durham residents with
access to information and resources about flood risk and resilience in their community.
Durham Climate Change and Health Vulnerability Assessments
The Region of Durham Health Department is developing region-wide vulnerability assessments
to examine health-related impacts of climate change, including including, extreme heat and
weather, vector-borne diseases (e.g., tick-borne diseases, West Nile virus), food and water impacts,
poor air quality, and ultraviolet radiation.
Extreme Weather Alert and Response System
In 2016, the Region of Durham Health Department launched Durham Region’s Heat Warning
and Information System. The system provides advance notice of extreme heat conditions to
municipalities, community partners and the public so that heat response plans can be activated
in advance of extreme heat.
The Region of Durham also developed an urban heat strategy in 2018. Called Keeping Our Cool,
the strategy provides an overview of urban heat island causes, impacts of extreme heat, high-risk
areas in the region, and recommended reduction measures.
Flood Vulnerable Road and Culvert Hydraulic Capacity Assessment
The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, alongside the Region of Durham and local area
municipalities, assessed the flood vulnerability of roads and the capacity of watercourse crossings
(culverts and bridges) under current and future climate scenarios. This assessment can help
identify candidate projects for enhanced resilience measures.
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46 City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
Healthy Economy
Vibrant economies support a mix of economic activities and help residents
enjoy a high quality of life. By creating economic security and financial
stability, local governments can contribute to positive social outcomes,
improve access to basic needs, enhance meaningful employment, and support
local job markets. To measure Pickering’s economic health, we reported
on four indicators across the following three categories: Labour Force
Participation, Job Distribution, and Family Income.
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47City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
Labour Force Participation
18. Employment rate
The employment rate is the total number of residents working full-time or part-time for pay,
expressed as a percentage of the total population 15 years of age or older. This indicator provides
a measure of the size of Pickering’s workforce relative to all residents except children. It helps
to determine the proportion of people who have an increased ability to improve their living
standards and meet their needs.
Table 19 compares Pickering’s 2011, 2016 and 2021 employment rates, based on the Census
Canada datasets for those years.
Since the City of Pickering is a census subdivision (municipality as determined by provincial/
territorial legislation), its employment rate is reported with Statistics Canada’s census update.
Table 19. Employment rate
Year Employment
Rate
2011 66.3%
2016 62.7%
2021 56.9%*
Source: Statistics Canada 2021 Census Profile
* Economic indicators in the 2021 Canadian Census, the most recent dataset, reflect the
unfavourable economic conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In August 2024, the
Toronto Census Metropolitan Area, which includes Pickering, reported an employment rate of
61.1 percent.
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48 City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
19. Unemployment rate
The unemployment rate represents the
percentage of people in the labour force who
are not working for pay. It helps determine
whether the economy is resilient to changes in
some or all sectors and reflects the ability of an
economy to create employment.
Because the City of Pickering is a census subdivision,
its unemployment rate is reported with Statistics
Canada’s census update.
Table 20. Unemployment rate
Year Unemployment
Rate
2011 8.6%
2016 8.0%
2021 12.9%*
Source: Statistics Canada 2021 Census Profile
* Economic indicators in the 2021 Census, the most
recent dataset, reflect the unfavourable economic
conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In
August 2024, the Toronto Census Metropolitan Area,
which includes Pickering, reported an unemployment
rate of 8 percent.
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49City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability- 59 -
50 City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
Source: Lightcast Data
Figure 2. Job distribution by sector in Pickering
The 2024 data shows that Pickering's labour force is primarily concentrated in retail
trade, finance and insurance, and professional, scientific, and technical service
sectors, which together make up a significant portion of local employment. This
range of employment across multiple sectors highlights Pickering's economic
diveristy.
Health care and social assistance
Utilties
Professional, scientific and technicalservices
Administrative and support
0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000
Educational services
Construction
Public administration
Wholesale Trade
Accommodation and food services
Job Distribution
20. *New indicator* Job distribution by sector
Assessing job distribution by sector helps identify Pickering’s level of economic
diversity and resilience. It reveals whether employment is concentrated in a few
industries or spread across multiple sectors, highlighting potential areas for economic
development. This information also supports workforce planning by indicating growth
in emerging sectors and informing policies that promote balanced, sustainable growth.
Manufacturing
Transportation and warehousing
Finance and insurance
Retail Trade
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51City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability- 61 -
52 City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
What the City is doing to address employment rates
and Support Diverse Jobs
Seaton Community
Progress is well underway for the community of Seaton, one of Canada’s largest combined
residential, employment, and commercial developments. Seaton is designed to develop into a
complete community, offering a range of housing types, employment lands, and land densities.
Over the next 20 years, the Seaton community is set to welcome 70,000 new residents and 35,000
new jobs.
Pickering Innovation Corridor
Located in central Pickering along Highway 407, the Innovation Corridor includes more than
800 acres of prestige employment land ready for development. The corridor is intended to
support the creation of 35,000 jobs in a variety of industry sectors. Already, the corridor is home
to major end-users that occupy more than 200 acres, including Kubota Canada, and FGF Brands
(construction of facilities commenced in 2023 and is well underway).
Pickering City Centre
Led by CentreCourt Developments, this master-plan community, located adjacent to The Shops
at Pickering City Centre, is set to transform the City Centre. It will include 6,000 condominium
residences, and a 1.5-acre park. The goal is to create a walkable and connected destination that
will become a bustling downtown node, welcoming visitors, commuters, and residents alike.
Promoting Business Through Partnerships
To promote business and create opportunities for economic development, the City works with
partners such as the Region of Durham, Infrastructure Ontario, Invest Ontario, the Ministry of
Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Ontario Tech University, Durham College, and
the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade.
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53City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
Pickering Entertainment District
The City of Pickering has experienced significant growth with developments within the 240-acre
Durham Live site. This landmark project, located at the northwest corner of Church and Bayly
streets, boasts a dynamic mix of excitement, culture, nightlife, cuisine, and adventure. Anchored
by a resort casino and five-star hotel, this unique destination will include a boutique hotel,
the Porsche Experience Centre, a convention centre, an amphitheatre, restaurants, cinemas,
LaunchPad Golf, and more.
The Pickering Casino Resort, which opened in July 2021, generates non-tax gaming revenue
payments from Ontario Lottery Gaming Corporation. The City is reinvesting these revenues into
the community, supporting a wide range of local programs, initiatives, and infrastructure projects.
Plan to Refurbish Pickering Nuclear Generating Station
The Ontario government is supporting Ontario Power Generation's plan to refurbish Pickering
Nuclear Generating Station’s “B” units (units 5 to 8). Once refurbished, the Pickering generating
station would produce a total of 2,000 megawatts of electricity (the equivalent to powering two
million homes), helping to meet increasing demand from electrification and supporting growth.
The Conference Board of Canada projects the full refurbishment project would create 11,000 jobs
per year.
Northeast Pickering
The City is undertaking a Secondary Plan for a new community in Pickering, that covers over
1,600 hectares of land. The purpose of the Secondary Plan is to guide the significant residential
and business growth anticipated for this area.
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54 City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
Family Income
21. Median household income of economic families
This indicator measures how well families in Pickering are doing financially and how secure they
are in providing a family’s basic needs. The total income of economic families (households with
two or more related people) is the sum income of all members of that family. The increase in
median family income from 2010 to 2020 reflects the improving economic growth and financial
security of Pickering households.
Table 21. Median family income of economic families
Year Median Family
Income in Pickering
Median Family
Income in Canada
2010 (baseline)$99,680 $76,511
2015 $111,107 $88,306
2020 $132,000 $105,000
Source: Statistics Canada 2021 Census Profile
The City of Pickering remains well above the 2020 median family income in Canada. According
to Statistics Canada’s Canadian Income Survey, among economic families in Canada, the median
family income — which is employment income, plus private pensions, plus income from
investments and other sources — was $105,000 in 2020 versus $132,000 in Pickering.
Pickering’s Booming Film and Television Sector
Pickering is home to Canada’s largest filming backlot and TriBro Studios.
Pickering continues to be a popular destination for filming, given its proximity
to Toronto, tax incentives, and unique mix of cityscapes, rural lands, and country
roads. Production companies can film at locations with minimal disturbance
to the community and keep their production schedules on track. Pickering has
attracted major film and television productions like Reacher, Ginny and Georgia,
The Handmaid’s Tale, Gen V, Twisted Metal, Murdoch Mysteries, and many more.
The City’s film office, Film Pickering, offers seamless, one-stop permit approvals
for new and returning productions.
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55City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
What the City and others are doing to create opportunities for increased
average family income
Employment & Skill-Building Workshops
In 2024, the City and Pickering Public Library delivered 35 employment and skill-building
programs, including 18 workshops focused on job searching. Highlights included the 5-Minute
Film Festival Career Path Series, entrepreneurship programs, cover letter and resume-building
workshops, interview prep, job fairs, and Pathway to Newcomers sessions. These initiatives
equip residents with the tools and knowledge needed to advance their careers and improve
financial stability.
Partnerships
The City continues to partner with the post-secondary institutions to promote research and
development, career development opportunities, and industry partnerships, in addition to
academic programs.
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56 City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
Responsible Development
Responsible development promotes the sustainability and livability of the
community as a whole. It integrates active transportation networks, strategic
urban design, building practices, land use, and access to public spaces and
services. To measure the City’s progress in this regard, we reported on six
indicators across the following three categories: Transport Modes and Distance,
Active Transportation Infrastructure, and Parkland and Agricultural Land.
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57City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
Table 23. Percentage of employed labour force in Pickering commuting to work by walking,
cycling, and taking public transit
Transportation Mode Percentage
Car, truck, or van (as a driver)79.9%
Car, truck, or van (as a passenger)7.4%
Public transit 7.8%
Walking 1.9%
Bicycling 0.3%
Other methods 3.0%
Year Percentage
2016 18.4%
2021 10.0%
Source: Statistics Canada 2021 Census Profile
Source: Statistics Canada 2021 Census Profile
Transport Modes and Distance
22. Percentage of employed labour force commuting to work by walking, bicycling, and
taking public transit
Sustainable commuting, such as walking, travelling by bicycle, taking public transit, and
carpooling, offers a range of environmental, health, social, and economic benefits.
Table 22 is based on the 2021 Census Profile from Statistic Canada. It shows a breakdown of the
modes of transportation that employed Pickering residents use to commute to work.
Table 22. Transportation mode for employed labour force in Pickering, by percentage
Because the City of Pickering is a census subdivision, its labour force community is reported
with Statistics Canada’s census update. Economic indicators in the 2021 Census, the most recent
dataset, reflect a decrease in commuting by walking, bicycling, and taking transit. This is likely
because of many individuals working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the
consequent decrease in transit service being offered at that time.
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58 City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
23. Median commuting distance to work
Commuting distance is particularly relevant to
sustainability. Shorter commuting distances can
decrease the use of fossil fuels for transportation,
resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions and less
air pollution.
Table 24. Distance travelled to place of employment
Commuting Distance Percentage
Less than 5 km 9%
Between 5 and 10 km 11%
Between 10 and 20 km 12%
Between 20 and 30 km 21%
Between 30 and 40 km 22%
Between 40 and 50 km 14%
More than 50 km 10%
Year Median commuting distance
2016 (Baseline)Between 20 and 30 km
2023 Between 20 and 30 km
Source: 2024 Measuring Sustainability Report Community Survey
Source: 2024 Measuring Sustainability Report Community Survey
Table 25. Median commuting distance to place of employment
According to the community survey done for this report, 53
percent of respondents who are not working from home
travel between 1 and 30 kilometres (one way) to their place
of employment. The median range of between 20 and 30
kilometres is the same as the baseline reported in 2016.
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60 City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
What the City and others are doing to promote sustainable commuting
E-scooter By-law and Pilot Program
Pickering’s e-Scooter by-law, enacted in 2023, allows for electric scooters to be used on roads within
the city. The City is also launching a shared e-scooter Pilot Program to introduce an additional
mobility option by giving residents and visitors a new, convenient way to get around.
Integrated Transportation Master Plan
Pickering’s Integrated Transportation Master Plan defines the policies, programs, and
infrastructure improvements required to address existing and future transportation needs. Since
plan implementation began in 2021, the cycling plan has been updated to incorporate new
cycling lanes in various roads across Pickering. The cycling plan will be implemented on a yearly
basis, subject to budget approval.
Durham Region Transit E-Mission Zero Plan
The E-Mission Zero Plan will guide how Durham Region Transit will deliver a network of vehicles,
infrastructure, and facilities to reach zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. Measures in the plan
include implementing demand responsive micro transit, piloting autonomous and connected
technologies, and transitioning their vehicle fleet to alternative fuel propulsion systems.
High Frequency Rail Line
VIA Rail Canada is proposing a high frequency rail line between the Toronto–Quebec City
corridor. The service will help reduce passenger and freight train delays, provide faster service,
and broaden connectivity across eastern Ontario. It will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions
and create jobs and opportunities. The City, in partnership with the Region of Durham, has
proposed a stop in Pickering. As of 2023, a conceptual design of the proposed Pickering station
and the surrounding development is in progress.
Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit Line
The Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit Line project, led by Metrolinx, will create seamless
connections with local transit networks across Durham Region and into Toronto. Once completed,
the line will provide the residents of Durham Region and the City of Toronto with more flexibility in
transit options, including two-way service every five minutes, dedicated bus lanes, and priority signals.
The project, which runs along Kingston Road, will also deliver multi-use paths, sidewalks, and off-road
dedicated cycle paths.
Encouraging GO Transit Use
Pickering’s fully enclosed pedestrian bridge spans 14 lanes of Highway 401, Canada’s busiest
transportation link. The bridge connects Pickering’s main mobility hub with the emerging City
Centre. Residents and commuters alike now enjoy safe, easy, and sheltered access to an integrated
transportation network, as well as to shopping and services. The pedestrian bridge links the Pickering
GO Station to the Shops at Pickering City Centre, and a Class A, LEED-Gold-certified office tower. It also
links the GO Station to restaurants in the City Centre and a 500-vehicle GO Transit parking deck.
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61City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
At present, automobile use accounts for more than nearly 95 percent of the trips made in
Pickering. Increasing the share of sustainable transportation modes by promoting public
transportation, carpooling, cycling, and walking can lower emissions and
benefit air quality.
24. *New indicator* Sustainable mode share
Sustainable mode share refers to the proportion of total trips made across Pickering using
environmentally friendly transportation options such as walking, cycling, and taking public
transit. Increasing the share of these types of modes can help to reduce traffic congestion and
greenhouse gas emissions.
The table below shows the breakdown of different transport modes for all Pickering residents.
Table 26. Sustainable mode share of Pickering’s residents
Mode Mode Share
2019
Mode Share
2023
Automobile 89.03%94.91%
Bus 0.85%1.17%
Cycling 0.37%0.15%
Walking 7.41%0.81%
Rail 2.34%2.96%
Source: Google Environmental Insights Explorer data and insights tool
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62 City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
Source: City of Pickering Engineering Services Department
Active Transportation Infrastructure
The length of walking paths, cycling paths, and bikeways plays a crucial role in promoting active
recreation within communities. Providing convenient infrastructure for active transportation increases
residents’ mobility options, encourages residents to choose these alternative modes of transport, to
help permote physical fitness, as well as reducing costs associated with automobile use.
25. Length of off-road trails, multi-use pathways, and on-road bike lanes
Pickering’s existing cycling infrastructure consists of 67.1 kilometres of off-road trails, multi-use
pathways and on-road bike lanes.
Table 27. Length of off-road trails, multi-use pathways, and on-road bike lanes
Infrastructure Length
Off-road trails 44.3 km
Multi-use pathways 12.5 km
On-road bike lanes 10.3 km
This indicator provides a snapshot of Pickering’s current active transportation infrastructure. With
67 kilometres of combined trails, pathways, and bike lanes, the City offers a growing network that
supports walking and cycling as viable transportation and recreation options.
What the City is doing to increase the number of walking paths, cycling
paths, and bikeways in Pickering
Planning New Trails and Paths
The City continues to plan and build new trails and paths. As of the fall of 2024, the Engineering
Services Department had the following new paths in the planning stages, subject to budget
approval:
• Dixie Road, from Kingston Road to the south and the hydro corridor to the north
• Pickering Parkway, from Glenanna Road to Brock Road
• Sheppard Avenue, from Altona Road and Fairport Road
• Strouds Lane, from Fairport Road to Rosebank Road
The City also has three educational signage installation projects in the
planning stages:
• Glenanna Road, from Kingston Road to Dixie Road
• Strouds Lane, from Altona Road to Rosebank Road
• Woodview Avenue, from Finch Avenue to Pine Grove Avenue
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63City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
Parkland and Agricultural Land
26. *New indicator* Ratio of people to parkland
The ratio of people to parkland indicates the availability of green spaces relative to the
population size in an area. Adequate parkland area can provide essential ecosystem services,
such as air purification and habitat for species, as well as recreational enjoyment for Pickering
residents. Ensuring a balanced ratio of people to parkland can support sustainable urban living,
further environmental health, and promote community well-being.
As referenced in its Recreation & Parks Ten Year Plan 2024-2034, the City manages 181 hectares of
parkland distributed across 70 sites, exclusive of open space lands. While nearly half this supply is
owned by other public agencies, the lands are available for public access through management
agreements with the City. This translates into a ratio of 1.76 hectares per 1,000 residents. This ratio
will serve as a baseline for future reporting on this indicator.
27. Land area designated for agricultural purposes and percentage in use
A large proportion of Pickering is on rural land. Where this land is currently used for agriculture, it
represents economic productivity and jobs, and a potential source of locally grown food. Properly
managed agricultural land can help ensure food security, support local economic activities, and
provide ecosystem services. Ensuring an appropriate area of land designated for agricultural
purposes is critical to continuing Pickering’s sustainability in these three aspects.
Table 28. Land area designed for agricultural purposes and percentage in use
Source: Statistics Canada 2021 Census of Agriculture
Land area designated for
agricultural purposes (ha)
Area and percentage in use
as farmland (ha)
2006 (Baseline)8,850 4,327 (49%)
2011 8,850 5,283 (60%)
2016 8,850 4,097 (46%)
2021 8,850 3,905 (44%)
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64 City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
Responsible Consumption
Responsible consumption refers to the manner in which a community
consumes and uses resources, such as water, energy, and food, and the
associated amount of waste produced. Responsible consumption seeks to
minimize resource use through clean technologies, conservation, energy
efficiencies, local food production, recycling, and waste diversion. To measure
responsible consumption in Pickering, we reported on six indicators across
the following five categories: Municipal Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas
Emissions, Community Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Residential
Water Use, Residential Waste, and Responsible Consumption Practices.
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65City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
Municipal Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The City has developed a Corporate Energy Management Plan, which provides a five-year
roadmap for energy management. By tracking greenhouse gas emissions, the City monitors
municipal use of electricity and fossil-fuel energy.
28. Energy consumed by municipal buildings, per person
This indicator measures the efficiency and environmental impact of municipal buildings and
their operations. High rates of energy consumption per person can indicate the inefficient use
of and reliance on fossil fuels, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing energy
consumption in municipal buildings through energy-efficient technologies, sustainable building
practices, and renewable energy can help reduce emissions, optimize energy use, and reduce
operating costs.
Table 29. Energy consumed by municipal buildings in Pickering, per person
Year Energy Consumed Per Per-
son in gigajoules (GJ)
2011 0.41 GJ
2015 0.47 GJ
2021 0.42 GJ
Source: Community Services Department
Gigajoules are units of energy used to measure energy content. One gigajoule equals 948,000
BTU or 278 kilowatt-hours, which would be enough energy to operate an average household in
Pickering for just under three days.
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66 City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
Year Total Greenhouse Gas Emissions Per Person
in tonnes of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e)
2011 0.033 tCO2e
2015 0.028 tCO2e
2021 0.013 tCO2e
Source: Community Services Department
29. Greenhouse gas emitted by municipal operations, per person
The average amount of greenhouse gas emissions per person from municipal operations
is a useful indicator of sustainability since it can help indicate environmental impacts of a
community’s services and infrastructure. Lowering emissions per person through sustainability
measures, such as adopting renewable energy sources, can reduce the environmental impacts,
contribute to lessening the impacts of climate change, and provide economic savings.
Table 30. Greenhouse gas emitted by municipal operations, per person
In 2021, the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions by municipal operations in Pickering was
1,256 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e), or 0.013 tCO2e per person. This is a marked reduction
compared with per person emissions in 2011 and in 2015.
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67City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
What the City is doing to reduce corporate energy use and greenhouse
gas emissions
The City undertakes a variety of projects to conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas
emissions when undertaking upgrades in its existing facilities and fleet, as well as when planning
for future projects. Some of these examples are described below.
Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre
The Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre currently under construction, will be a new, 44,000
square foot facility that will celebrate Pickering’s rich heritage by bringing together a museum,
library, and community centre into one dynamic space. As a design certified zero-carbon
building, the centre will be highly energy-efficient and will minimize emissions from building
materials to operations. During typical operation, the site will be fully electric with zero fuel
combustion. The design includes a 60-kilowatt rooftop solar array, with a battery energy storage
system to offset on-site electricity consumption and provide backup power for lighting and
receptacle loads.
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68 City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
Civic Complex
The City has successfully completed a comprehensive boiler
retrofit project within the Civic Complex, which includes City
Hall and the Central Library. Completed in 2023, the work involved
replacing end-of-life natural draft units with high-efficiency
modulating condensing boilers, achieving a 20 percent increase
in efficiency. This retrofit project has reduced the consumption of
greenhouse gas emissions by 52 tonnes a year, a significant decrease.
Current work to improve the system will introduce new design envelope
heating circulators to optimize heat generation, and system controls,
resulting in further energy savings.
East Shore Community Centre
The City is in the design phase for the replacement of two gas-fired rooftop
units with dual-fuel units at the East Shore Community Centre. These hybrid
heat pump and gas heating units will operate in full electric mode for 50 to 60
percent of annual heating hours, with gas-fired backup used for extreme cold
temperatures. Moving forward, planned equipment replacements will seek to
use dual-fuel rooftop units and airside heat recovery systems where possible.
Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex
To improve energy-efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the
recreation complex, the City replaced mid-efficiency space heating and
domestic hot water boilers with high-efficiency modulating condensing boilers,
helping to save close to 3,100 gigajoules per year.
Community Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
While only four percent of greenhouse gas emissions in Durham Region
come from municipal operations, the rest — 96 percent — come from the
community through transportation, homes, industries, businesses, and
institutional buildings. The City has partnered with the Region of Durham
and other local area municipalities to develop the Durham Community
Energy Plan. This 35-year plan establishes short-, medium-, and long-term
targets for energy use and conservation in the community.
According to a carbon emission inventory report published by The
Atmospheric Fund, the City of Pickering’s total emissions in 2023
were 595,764 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (tCO2eq), or 5.62 tCO2eq per
person. The Toronto Atmospheric Fund data is based on the available
information and may not be comprehensive. It is important to note
that this data is subject to limitations and may not cover all possible
variables or scenarios.
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70 City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
What the City and its partners are doing to promote the reduction of
energy use and greenhouse gas emissions throughout the community
Increasing Public Awareness
The City of Pickering is striving to create a culture of conservation. A section on the City’s website,
Energy Incentives and Rebates, includes a list of some of the energy incentives and rebates
currently available and will be updated regularly.
The City has also hosted numerous workshops, such as:
•heat pump workshops in partnership with Windfall Ecology Centre and the Region of Durham
•Home Efficiency Retrofit Orientation Program in partnership with Humber College, the Town
of Ajax, and Enbridge
Ensuring New Development Supports Sustainability
In 2023, Integrated Sustainable Design Standards (ISDS) became a mandatory requirement
for the planning, development, and construction industry. Builders, such as Chestnut Hill
Developments, The Daniels Corporation, and Mattamy Homes have already incorporated many
of the ISDS performance measures into their projects. The standards showcase Pickering’s
commitment to being at the forefront of sustainable development practices and promoting
green building construction. Pickering City Council adopted the standards in September
2022, for implementation in January 2023. The language in the Official Plan was amended in
November 2023.
Durham Community Energy Plan
The Durham Community Energy Plan will guide the region’s transition to a low-carbon, climate-
resilient community. Strategies include enhancing energy efficiency, increasing renewable energy
use, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Durham Greener Homes Program
Durham Greener Homes helps homeowners to overcome the challenges of completing energy
retrofits by providing support throughout the home retrofit journey. The program connects
residents with expert energy advisors, incentives, local lending institutions, and energy utilities to
help simplify the process, while transforming the market for residential energy efficiency.
Durham Greener Buildings Program
Durham Greener Buildings supports owners of commercial, institutional, and multi-unit
residential buildings to help them measure, report and take action on energy efficiency and
conservation opportunities.
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71City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
Durham Climate Dashboard
The Durham Climate Dashboard tracks regional community-wide progress toward climate goals.
Metrics include reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, building efficiency improvements, and
the progress in transitioning to sustainable transportation.
District Energy Study
The Region of Durham is currently undertaking a pre-feasibility study in Pickering, focusing on
the City Centre and surrounding employment lands. The study will explore the feasibility of a
district energy system that provides centralized heating and cooling to multiple buildings. The
proposed system would capture low-carbon waste heat from the Pickering Nuclear Generating
Station and the Duffin Creek Water Pollution Control Plant, which would then be used for space
heating or cooling. The study will assess the technical, financial, and environmental impacts and
is expected to be complete in 2025.
This indicator shows that per person water consumption in Durham Region has remained
relatively consistent, with a slight increase from 163 litres per day in 2015 to 174 litres per day
in 2023. While the change is minimal, it emphasizes the importance of encouraging good
water use practices.
Source: Region of Durham water billing data
Residential Water Use
Water is a precious resource. Not only should water not be wasted, but the energy needed to
produce, purify, pump, and distribute usable water should not be wasted either.
30. Daily volume of municipal water used, per person
The daily volume of municipal water used per person is an important measure since it shows
how efficiently water resources are being used. Reducing water use through conservation
efforts and efficient technologies can help preserve freshwater ecosystems, lower energy
consumption, and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with water services and
wastewater treatment.
Table 31. Daily volume of municipal water used, per person
Year Volume of water use, per person
2015 163 litres per day
2023 174 litres per day
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72 City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
What the City is doing to reduce water use in Pickering
Encouraging Reduced Water Use for Gardens and Lawns
Pickering hosts free lawn and garden-related workshops. These workshops teach residents about
appropriate lawn watering and gardening with native and drought- tolerant plants and grasses.
Where appropriate, the City uses drought-tolerant plants in its own landscaping efforts. Residents
have also enjoyed rain garden workshops focused on teaching participants how these gardens
work, plant selection, and ideal locations.
Reducing Water Use in Facilities
As replacements are needed, the City installs low-flow restrictors on faucets and showerheads,
low-flush toilets, and timed faucets.
Residential Waste
Waste is anything we throw away that doesn’t get re-used. When we throw things out, we also
lose potentially valuable resources and the energy that went into making each item. While we
cannot eliminate waste, we can produce less of it, and we can reuse and recycle our products and
resources whenever possible.
31. Total annual amount of residential solid waste generated, per person
The total annual amount of residential solid waste generated per person can indicate
consumption patterns, resource use, and the effectiveness of waste management systems.
Reducing the amount of waste generated per person is important for the efficient use of
resources and the promotion of a circular economy.
Table 32. Total annual amount of residential solid waste generated, per person
Year Garbage Generation Per Person
2018 173.2 kilograms
2020 180.6 kilograms
2022 166.0 kilograms
The data shows a positive trend by reflecting a reduction in the amount of solid waste generated
per person in Pickering from the last report in 2020.
Source: Region of Durham Waste Management Annual Report
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73City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
The data shows a consistent trend in the percentage of residential waste diverted in Pickering.
What the City and others are doing to promote waste diversion
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
The City of Pickering partnered with Diabetes Canada to implement a Textile Diversion Program
in 2023, reducing household waste. In the first year of the program, the community diverted over
8,600 kilograms of textiles.
The City offers battery recycling collection bins for residents to recycle used household batteries.
Bins can be found at the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex, East Shore Community
Centre, George Ashe Library and Community Centre, and the Pickering Central Library. In 2024,
412 kilograms of batteries were recycled responsibly.
Increasing Public Awareness of Waste Diversion
The City partners with the Region of Durham to offer electronic and household hazardous waste
collection events. The City also works with the Region to host a popular compost giveaway event,
at which residents can swap out their old diversion bins for new ones.
The City takes part in National Waste Reduction Week by carrying out internal and external
education campaigns and waste reduction challenges.
Source: Region of Durham Works Department
32. Percentage of residential waste diverted
The percentage of residential waste diverted is a key indicator of sustainability. Diversion
of waste includes blue box recyclables, green bin compostables, and leaf and yard waste
compostables.
Table 33. Percentage of residential waste diverted
Year Percentage
2015 57%
2023 56%
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74 City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
Responsible Consumption Practices
Responsible consumption practices in our homes help to reduce environmental impact and
promote resource efficiency. Encouraging households to adopt habits such as reducing waste,
recycling, conserving energy and water, growing their own food, and using active transportation
is important. These practices foster a culture of sustainability within the community.
33. *New indicator* Household responsible consumption practices
275
250
225
200
175
150
125
100
75
50
25
Plant trees/ pollinator-friendly plants
Grow your own food
Other
Reduce waste
Conserve water
Recycle
Conserve energy
Walk/Cycle
Green bin/compost
Practice plant-based diet
Source: 2024 Measuring Sustainability Report Survey
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75City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
Urban Agriculture
Urban agriculture is a priority area for Pickering and its residents, and it can play an important
role in local food security and community resilience. Although an urban agriculture indicator was
not included in this report, one of the findings from the Let’s Talk Pickering community survey
on urban agriculture, conducted in 2023, was that many residents are interested in growing their
own fruits and vegetables. However, many said they do not know where to start or are concerned
about not having enough space, time, and money. The City is taking action to help address these
barriers.
Plant trees/ pollinator-friendly plants
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76 City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
What the City and others are doing to promote locally grown foods
Urban Agriculture Project
In February 2023, Pickering Council requested staff to explore ways to enhance urban agricultural
programs and projects. For example, through the We Grow Food project, residents of a Durham
Community Housing site built raised garden plots using funds accessed from the City’s
Community Grant Program.
Other ways that the City promotes urban agriculture include free workshops, stakeholder
outreach, and partnerships to integrate urban agriculture features into new developments.
Community Vegetable Gardens in Pickering
The City of Pickering Council adopted a Community Garden Policy in 2022. The policy recognizes
the benefits of community gardens to health, social ties, environmental education, and food
security. The policy oversees municipal community gardens, ensuring equal access for residents
to grow produce in collaborative, engaging, and healthy environments. In 2024, the four
community garden plots at George Ashe Library & Community Centre were expanded with
four new plots and four accessible garden beds added (for a total of 12) with funding from the
Province of Ontario.
The City currently operates two community gardens: one at Valley Plentiful Community Garden in
Diana, Princess of Wales Park; and one at the George Ashe Library and Community Centre, as part
of the 55+ Plot to Plate Program. Both sites have donation plots that support the local food bank.
In collaboration with Valley Plentiful Garden Committee, the City completed an enhancement
project to Valley Plentiful in 2025 that added accessible parking, bike racks, and more raised
garden beds.
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77City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability
Pickering City Centre Farmers’ Market
The City hosts the award-winning market to help residents connect with local farmers, bakers,
artisans, and small businesses. The in-person market runs for 17 weeks, and has upwards of 29
vendors. Thanks to community support, the market has been recognized by the Durham Region
Readers’ Choice Awards with top recognition for six years running (2019 to 2024).
Educating the Community
The City coordinates free educational workshops each spring for residents to learn about for
example, native plant gardening, lawn care, and how to save money by growing your own
food. Many local community organizations, such as the Valley Plentiful Community Garden, We
Grow Food, Durham Integrated Growers, and Durham Master Gardeners, lend their knowledge
to help residents learn how to grow food. Please visit the Urban Agriculture Hub on the City’s
website to learn more about actions taking place to support and promote urban agriculture in
Pickering.
Pickering Public Library Seed Library
The Seed Library encourages access to healthy food, while protecting the biodiversity of plants
and food crops. Through the Seed Library project, the library started offering free programs in
2024 about food literacy, seeds, and gardening.
Pickering Environmental Schools Grant Program
Launched in 2020, the Environmental Schools Grant support schools in Pickering to undertake
exciting projects that contribute to a healthy environment, such as creating pollinator gardens,
installing outdoor garden beds to grow native plants and fresh food, and purchasing hydroponic
growing towers, vermicomposters, and trees.
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City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability78
Appendix A – Methodology
The 2024 Measuring Sustainability Report began by assessing the 53 indicators used in the
2017 report, to determine which indicators were the most impactful for the purpose of ongoing
reporting. This evaluation process also identified indicators that were no longer critical to carry
forward.
As a first step, each indicator was scored from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) according to five criteria:
• relevance (to sustainability)
• objectivity (can be measured using factual, consistent, and quantitative data)
• availability of data (existing or readily available for collection)
• realistic (inexpensive, non-intensive data collection process)
• understandable (intended purpose of indicator is easy to understand)
Scores across these criteria were reviewed and assessed according to the following:
• Actionable (1 City has no influence - - - - 5 City has direct influence)
Next the indicators were weighed against three criteria. This step aimed to help select a draft list
of indicators for the 2024 report that:
1. Can be measured on an ongoing basis
2. Make sense according to current understandings
of how sustainability is conceived and measured
3. Something the City can have some direct influence
over at a policy or program level or otherwise
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City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability 79
Indicators that scored very low or were not considered to be critical for carrying forward were
eliminated. A list of potential new indicators to fill any gaps were identified. Proposed new
indicators were assessed using the same criteria as previously described, and those that scored
highly were considered as candidates for the draft list.
Over the next several months, the consultants from International Council for Local Environmental
Initiatives (ICLEI) Canada, City staff, and technical experts from various municipal departments
and other relevant entities helped discern any gaps or challenges with the indicators selected to
go forward.
A final set of 33 indicators was selected for this report. We expect further assessments and
iterations will be made to the list of indicators in the future, as changes occur in the Pickering
community and its priorities, as well as in best practices for measuring sustainability.
A list of data sources is located in Appendix C. For comments or questions about the
report’s methodology or data sources, please contact the City’s Sustainability staff at
sustainability@pickering.ca.
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City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability80
Appendix B
Sustainability Checklist for Pickering Residents
Healthy Environment
Participate in tree planting initiatives like the Backyard Tree and Shrub Planting Program or
Take Pride in Pickering.
Join community cleanups like the 20-Minute Makeover or Litter & Plastics Challenge.
Reduce stormwater runoff by installing a rain barrel or creating a rain garden.
Support biodiversity by planting native species and creating pollinator habitats.
Join citizen science efforts to track biodiversity and remove invasive species.
Attend workshops, webinars, and hikes to learn more about sustainability.
Healthy Society
Participate in Pickering’s community events and festivals.
Volunteer at City events, senior programs, or animal shelter.
Stay active by joining fitness classes, playing sports, or swimming.
Explore the Waterfront Trail, the Seaton Trail, the Rouge National Urban Park or other trails in
Pickering.
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City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability 81
Healthy Economy
Shop locally and support Pickering businesses.
Partner with local educational institutions to develop workforce skills for emerging industries.
Encourage entrepreneurship by supporting local startups and innovation hubs.
Responsible Development
Take transit, bike, walk, or carpool.
Encourage your employer to join Smart Commute Durham.
Responsible Consumption
Conserve energy at home by using energy-efficient appliances and lighting.
Save water by installing low-flow faucets and fixing leaks.
Reduce waste by recycling, composting, and donating reusable items.
Choose reusable products over single-use items.
Educate your household on recycling, energy conservation, and water-saving practices.
Advocate for sustainable practices in your community.
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City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability82
Indicator Source
Number of days when the Air Quality Health
Index is above 7 (high risk)
Government of Ontario Air Quality Health
Index, Ontario Ministry of the Environment,
Conservation and Parks (issued in 2023)
Surface Water Quality Index for key
watersheds
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's
Watershed and Ecosystems Reporting Hub
Percentage of swimming days posted as
unsafe
Region of Durham Health Department
Species richness and sensitivity of plants and
animals
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s
Watershed and Ecosystems Reporting Hub
Number of trees planted by the City of
Pickering, the Toronto Region Conservation
Authority, Ontario Power Generation, and
the Local Enhancement and Appreciation of
Forests (LEAF) organization
Data from the City of Pickering, Region of
Durham, the Toronto and Region Conservation
Authority, Ontario Power Generation, and the
Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests
(LEAF) organization
Area of natural cover Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s
Watershed and Ecosystems Reporting Hub,
Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority
Land Cover and Ecological Land Classification
Quality of natural cover Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s
Watershed and Ecosystems Reporting Hub
Area and percentage of impervious cover Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s
Watershed and Ecosystems Reporting Hub,
Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority
Land Cover and Ecological Land Classification
Neighbourhood satisfaction - social
connection
2024 Measuring Sustainability Report
Community Survey
Neighbourhood satisfaction - physical
connection and accessibility to amenities
2024 Measuring Sustainability Report
Community Survey
Annual attendance at events, and
performances within Pickering
City of Pickering Community Services
Department, Key Performance Indicators Report
Voter turnout for municipal elections City of Pickering Corporate Services Department
Appendix C – Sources
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City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability 83
Indicator Source
Childhood (ages 0 to 14) asthma prevalence
in Pickering
Region of Durham Health Department,
Canadian Institute for Health Information Report,
Asthma Hospitalizations Among Children and
Youth in Canada: Trends and Inequalities, 2018
Percentage of Pickering residents (ages 18+)
who report excellent or very good mental
health
Region of Durham Health Department, Health
Neighbourhoods in Durham Region dataset,
Public Health Agency of Canada, 2022
Percentage of Pickering residents (ages 18+)
who report excellent or very good overall
health
Region of Durham Health Department, Health
Neighbourhoods in Durham Region dataset,
Canadian Institute for Health Information, 2022
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City of Pickering | Measuring Sustainability84
Indicator Source
Number of crimes against persons or
property
Durham Regional Police Service Monthly Crime
and Traffic Statistics Dashboard, 2023
Respondents' perception on weather-related
emergencies impacting the community
2024 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
Community Survey
Employment rate Statistics Canada 2021 Census Profile
Unemployment rate Statistics Canada 2021 Census Profile
Job distribution by sector Lightcast Data
Median household income of economic
families
Statistics Canada 2021 Census Profile
Percentage of employed labour force
commuting to work by walking, bicycling,
and taking public transit
Statistic Canada 2021 Census Profile
Median commuting distance to work 2024 Measuring Sustainability Report
Community Survey
Sustainable mode share Google Environmental Insights Explorer data
and insights tool
Length of off-road trails, multi-use pathways,
and on-road bike lanes
City of Pickering Engineering Services
Department
Ratio of people to parkland City of Pickering, Recreation & Parks Ten Year
Plan 2024-2034
Land area designated for agricultural
purposes and percentage in use
Statistic Canada 2021 Census of Agriculture
Energy consumed by municipal buildings,
per person
Community Services Department
Greenhouse gas emitted by municipal
operations, per person
Community Services Department
Daily volume of municipal water used, per
person
Region of Durham Water Billing Data
Total annual amount of residential solid
waste generated, per person
Region of Durham Works Department, Waste
Management Annual Report
Percentage of residential waste diverted Region of Durham Works Department
Household responsible consumption
practices
2024 Measuring Sustainability Report
Community Survey
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2024 Measuring Sustainability Report
City of Pickering
One The Esplanade
Pickering, ON L1V 6K7
pickering.ca/sustainable
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Report to
Executive Committee
Report Number: CLK 04-25
Date: September 2, 2025
From: Paul Bigioni
Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor
Subject: 2026 Committee and Council Meeting Schedule
File: A-1440
Recommendation:
1. That Report CLK 04-25 regarding the 2026 Committee and Council Meeting Schedule be
received;
2. That the 2026 Committee and Council Meeting Schedule included as Attachment 1 to this
report be approved; 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.
Executive Summary: The purpose of this report is to present the 2026 Committee and
Council Meeting Schedule for approval. In accordance with Section 238(2) of the Municipal
Act, 2001, S.O 2001, c.25, every municipality shall pass a procedure by-law for governing the
calling, place and proceedings of meetings and the procedure by-law shall provide for public
notice of meetings.
Relationship to the Pickering Strategic Plan: The recommendations in this report respond
to the Pickering Strategic Plan Priority of Foster an Engaged & Informed Community.
Financial Implications: There are no financial implications associated with this report or the
adoption of the 2026 Committee and Council Meeting Schedule.
Discussion: The purpose of this report is to present the 2026 Committee and Council
Meeting Schedule for approval. In accordance with Section 238(2) of the Municipal Act, every
municipality shall pass a procedure by-law for governing the calling, place and proceedings of
meetings and the procedure by-law shall provide for public notice of meetings.
In the spirit of openness, transparency, and accountability, the adoption and posting of the
annual Committee and Council Meeting Schedule is an important exercise to ensure as much
advance notice is provided to the public for regular upcoming Standing Committee and Council
Meetings.
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CLK 04-25 September 2, 2025
Page 2
Section 05.02 of the Procedure By-law provides for all regular meetings of Council to be held
on the fourth Monday of each month at 7:00 pm unless otherwise provided by resolution of
Council. If a Council Meeting falls on a public or civic holiday, Council shall meet at the same
hour on the next following day, which is not a public or civic holiday.
Section 05.03 states the Executive Committee shall meet on the first Monday of each month at
2:00 pm, and the Planning & Development Committee shall meet on the first Monday of each
month at 7:00 pm, unless otherwise provided by resolution of Council. If an Executive
Committee and Planning & Development Committee Meeting falls on a public or civic holiday,
the Committee shall meet at the same hour on the next following day, which is not a public or
civic holiday.
Section 06.05 states Statutory Public Meetings under the Planning Act, shall be held on the
second Monday of each month at 7:00 pm. If a statutory public meeting under the Planning Act
falls on a public or civic holiday, the meeting shall be held at the same hour on the following
day, which is not a public or civic holiday.
Every effort has been made to adhere to the above noted provisions of the Procedure By-law
and any variances or adjustments are due to statutory holidays and/or significant events or
dates that impact Members. Statutory holidays have been included on the Meeting Schedule
for reference and the only meetings impacted by a statutory holiday in 2026 are the April and
September Executive and Planning & Development Committee Meetings.
Education and Training Sessions, In-Camera Meetings, and other Special Council Meetings
are not included in the Meeting Schedule. If required, these meetings can be called by the
Mayor, or by petition of a majority of Members of Council in accordance with the provisions of
the Procedure By-law.
Similar to the 2025 Committee and Council Meeting Schedule, no dates have been included
on the Meeting Schedule for an Executive Committee Budget Meeting. Through Mayoral
Direction 01-2025, Mayor Ashe has directed staff to prepare the draft 2026 Current and Capital
Budgets in accordance with his Strong Mayor Powers. The budget process will follow the
legislated requirements under Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act and the City’s Procedure By-law.
Council will receive the budget materials in accordance with the timelines set out by the Mayor
in the Mayoral Direction being no later than November 28, 2025. Any meetings that are
required to consider amendments to the Mayor’s budget will be scheduled as special meetings
of Council in accordance with the Procedure By-law.
2026 Municipal Election Impact
The 2026 Municipal Election will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026. As per Section 6(1) of
the Municipal Elections Act, the 2026-2030 Term of Council will begin on November 15, 2026.
In keeping with past practice in election years, regular Council and Committee meetings have
not been scheduled for the months of October and November, and the final meeting of the
2022-2026 Term of City Council has been scheduled for September 21, 2026. The Inaugural
Meeting for the 2026-2030 Term of Council is scheduled for November 16, 2026, in
accordance with the City’s Procedure By-law and in coordination with the Community Services
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CLK 04-25 September 2, 2025
Page 3
staff. A Special Council Meeting is also being recommended for December 7, 2026, to afford
the new Council opportunity to consider any necessary matters prior to the commencement of
the 2027 regular Committee and Council Meeting Schedule.
It is necessary to modify the Committee and Council meeting schedule to accommodate the
election period due to the large volume of staff time that will be required to prepare for the
election in the months leading up to October 2026. This commitment is amplified after
Nomination Day and holds steady until well after Election Day. Every staff person from the
Legislative Services Division, and various other departments within the City, will be called upon
to help administer the election during this time.
As the last cycle of Committee/Council Meetings are proposed to be scheduled after
Nomination Day (Friday, August 21, 2026), there is a potential for Council to be restricted, by
Section 275 of the Municipal Act, in the actions and decisions it is permitted to make if it can
be determined there is the possibility that less than three-quarters of the Members of the
outgoing Council will serve on the incoming Council. This is referred to as the ‘lame duck’
period. For Pickering City Council, three-quarters of the outgoing Council is six of the seven
current Members.
There are two different scenarios provided for in the Municipal Act when a lame duck situation
could be in effect:
1. After nomination day but before voting day, the determination shall be based on the
nominations to the new Council that have been certified and any acclamations made to
the new Council; and,
2. After voting day, the determination shall be based on the declaration of the results of the
election including declarations of election by acclamation. (Note: This situation will not
present itself if there are no Council meetings scheduled after voting day until the
inaugural meeting of the 2026-2030 Council).
The acts of Council that are restricted under the Municipal Act during a lame duck period are
as follows:
x the appointment or removal from office of any officer of the municipality;
x the hiring or dismissal of any employee of the municipality;
x the disposition of any real or personal property of the municipality which has a value
exceeding $50,000.00 at the time of disposal (unless the disposition was included in
the most recent budget adopted by Council before Nomination Day); and,
x making any expenditures or incurring any other liability which exceeds $50,000.00
(unless the liability was included in the most recent budget adopted by Council
before Nomination Day).
Despite these provisions, Council is not prohibited from delegating authority to another person
or body to exercise any authority of a municipality if the delegation is made prior to Nomination
Day, and nothing prevents Council from taking action in the event of an emergency. Delegated
authority was provided to the Chief Administrative Officer in 2022 through By-law 7934/22.
Staff will report back to Council at a later date should it be considered necessary to provide
delegated authority to the CAO for the lame duck period during the 2026 Municipal Election.
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CLK 04-25 September 2, 2025
Page 4
The modifications to the annual Committee and Council Meeting Schedule for the upcoming
Municipal Election only apply to the 2026 Meeting Schedule and it is anticipated that a regular
meeting schedule will resume in 2027 in accordance with the Procedure By-law.
In conclusion, staff are seeking Council approval of the 2026 Committee and Council Meeting
Schedule included as Attachment 1 to this report. Once approved by Council, the meeting
dates will be posted on the City’s Event Calendar and circulated to Members of Council and
Staff in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures.
Attachment:
1. 2026 Committee and Council Meeting Schedule
Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By:
Susan Cassel Paul Bigioni
City Clerk Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor
Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering City Council
Marisa Carpino, M.A.
Chief Administrative Officer
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- 100 -
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- 101 -
Report to
Exeuctive Committee
Report Number: CS 22-25
Date: September 2, 2025
From: Laura Gibbs
Director, Community Services
Subject: Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre Public Art
Commission of Public Art
File: A-1440-001
Recommendation:
1. That Council endorse that the commission of public art at the main entrance of Dorsay
Community & Heritage Centre be awarded to Hooman Mehdizadehjafari;
2. That Council authorize the Director, Finance & Treasurer to finance the net project cost of
$112,566.43 to be funded by a transfer from the Public Art Reserve as approved in the
2025 Current Budget;
3. That the Mayor and the City Clerk be authorized to execute the Letter of Understanding
between Hooman Mehdizadehjafari and the City of Pickering, set out in Attachment 1,
subject to minor revisions acceptable to the Director, Community Services and the
Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor; and,
4. That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the necessary
actions as indicated in this report.
Executive Summary: The purpose of this report is to seek Council’s endorsement for the
commission of public art, at the main entrance of Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre
(DCHC), to be awarded to Hooman Mehdizadehjafari. As per section 09.10 of the Purchasing
Policy (PUR 010), public art projects with costs that exceed $100,000.00 are subject to Council
approval.
As a key cultural hub for the City of Pickering, DCHC will serve as a cornerstone of civic
identity and artistic expression. This prominent location not only enhances the visual appeal of
the site but also creates a highly visible landmark along Highway 7, reinforcing DCHC’s role as
a vibrant and creative hub for the community.
As per the Public Art Policy (CUL 130), this purchase of artwork is recommended following a
publicly promoted Call to Artists with pre-qualification of artists. The proposal Heritage Tree, by
artist Hooman Mehdizadehjafari received the highest juried score, and was recommended and
endorsed by the Public Art Jury and Cultural Advisory Committee.
- 102 -
CS 22-25 September 2, 2025
Page 2
Relationship to the Pickering Strategic Plan: The recommendations in this report respond
to the Pickering Strategic Plan Priority of Advocate for an Inclusive, Welcoming, Safe &
Healthy Community.
Financial Implications: The public art project for DCHC is reflected in the approved 2025
Current Budget (Cultural Services 10207) in the amount of $125,000.00. The net project cost is
to be funded from the public art reserve in the amount of $112,566.43.
1. Estimated Project Costing Summary
Fees set out in the Letter of Understanding $110,619.53
Total Project Cost $110,619.53
HST (13%) 14,380.54
Total Gross Project Costs $125,000.07
HST Rebate (11.24%)
(12,433.64)
Total Net Project Costs $112,566.43
2. Approved Source of Funds
Approved Code Source of Funds Budget Funds Required
10207.502520.9710 Public Art Reserve $125,000.00
Total $125,000.00 $112,566.43
Project Cost under (over) approved funds by $12,433.57
The remaining funds of $12,433.57.00 will be used for signage, lighting and communications.
Discussion: The purpose of this report is to seek Council’s endorsement for the
commission of public art, at the main entrance of DCHC, to be awarded to Hooman
Mehdizadehjafari. As per section 09.10 of the Purchasing Policy (PUR 010), Public Art projects
with costs that exceed $100,000.00 are subject to Council approval.
1. The public art policy was followed in the selection of public art
As per Section 10.01 of the Public Art Policy (CUL 130), an Open Call was selected as the
Method of Acquisition. A two-stage process was selected, in which Stage 1 pre-qualified a
short list of three artists. The three selected artists were invited to participate in Phase 2 in
which they submitted a detailed project proposal.
- 103 -
CS 22-25 September 2, 2025
Page 3
A Call to Artists was issued on December 13, 2024 (Attachment 2). The Call to Artists was
advertised through the City of Pickering website, Akimbo, and through social media.
As per Section 09.01 of the Policy, a Public Art Jury will be formed on an as-needed basis. The
Public Art Jury evaluates the artist proposals in accordance with the selection considerations in
Section 11 of the Policy. In this case, a Public Art Jury was convened to judge the submissions
based on criteria established in the Public Art Policy.
Twenty -six artists responded to the Call to Artists with a conceptual design proposal. The
Public Art Jury met on March 6, 2025, to review the applications and select the top three artists
to move to Phase 2 as per the information set forth in the Call to Artists. The Cultural Advisory
Committee endorsed the top three artists as selected by the Public Art Jury at their meeting on
March 18, 2025.
The Phase 2 proposals were received in May 2025. The three concepts were showcased to
the community for public viewing and comment during Artfest on May 24 and May 25, 2025,
and featured on Let’s Talk Pickering from May 29, 2025 to June 4, 2025. Each artist presented
their concept to the Public Art Jury on June 5, 2025. The Public Art Jury reviewed the judging
criteria, scored each proposal, and ranked the top three finalists following the artist’s
presentations.
Following scoring and discussion, the Jury recommended that Hooman Mehdizadehjafari be
awarded the commission of public art at the main entrance of the DCHC. The recommendation
was endorsed by the Cultural Advisory Committee on June 17, 2025.
The conceptual design proposal is set out in Schedule A of the Letter of Understanding
(Attachment 1). The Letter of Understanding defines the relationship and responsibilities
between the City and the Artist.
2. The artwork Heritage Tree connects cultural, historical and natural features
Hooman Mehdizadehjafari (Hoo) is an award-winning visual artist and Pickering resident. Hoo
harnesses art as a compelling medium to foster connection and spark meaningful
conversation. His work, often characterized by biomimicry and abstraction, draws inspiration
from the intricate beauty and complexity of the natural world.
Artist statement:
Heritage is the central point of the artwork. It embodies the cultural, historical and
natural assets that are inherited from past generations and valued in the present with
the intention of handing them over to future generations. Our heritage shapes our
identity, helps us to understand our history, values our diversity, strengthens our cultural
continuity, boosts our economic growth, and promotes environmental sustainability.
The process of passing on heritage, history, and knowledge to the posterity ties us
together like a woven web, illustrating a broader picture of us as a community. This
concept has been captured in my artwork in a symbolic way: human-like and simplified
figurine shapes that merge into each other in a vertical ever -growing form, resembling a
- 104 -
CS 22-25 September 2, 2025
Page 4
tree-like structure that creates a visual dialogue with the forests embracing DCHC’s site.
The figurines, in fact, represent the community members in many roles: families,
friends, neighbours, coworkers, etc., all who help each other grow by sharing their
knowledge and stories.
Ultimately , this process fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of our shared
human experience, bridging the gap between past, present and future.
The artwork will be fabricated from sandblasted stainless steel. The artwork will become part of
the City’s permanent collection, with an expected lifespan of 30 years.
3.Permanent public art at the DCHC is planned in two locations
The need to develop and implement a public art policy, program and funding formula (Action
item 4.2.6.2) was identified in the Cultural Strategic Plan, that was approved in 2014. In 2023,
staff developed a Public Art Plan 2023 – 2026 that was approved by Council on November 6,
2023 along with updates to the Public Art Policy (Resolution #328/23).
The Public Art Plan identified two locations for permanent public art at the DCHC: one at the
front entrance and one in the Art Garden that adjoins the Multipurpose Hall. Staff will be
issuing a Call to Artists for the Art Garden location in Q3, 2025.
4.Next steps: installation and unveiling
Subject to Council’s endorsement, the artist will begin fabrication with an estimated installation
date of March 2026.
Attachments:
1.Letter of Understanding
2.Call to Artists – PHCC
Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By:
Original Signed By Original Signed By
Krystal Roberts Laura Gibbs, MBA, MSc.
Manager, Cultural Services Director, Community Services
Original Signed By
Cristopher Farrell
Supervisor, Cultural Services
- 105 -
CS 22-25 September 2, 2025
Page 5
LG :cf
Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering City Council
Original Signed By
Marisa Carpino, M.A.
Chief Administrative Officer
- 106 -
Letter of Understanding
Public Artwork Agreement
This agreement made the Day/Month/Year
BETWEEN: Hooman Mehdizadehjafari
(hereinafter called “the Artist”)
AND
THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF PICKERING
(hereinafter called “the City)
1. Introduction
This Letter of Understanding pertains to the artwork creation and installation of the artwork for the
Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre (Front of Building) for the City of Pickering. This document
defines the relationship and responsibilities between the City and the Artist. The final ar twork is to be
unveiled in April 2026.
This Letter of Understanding conforms to the City of Pickering Public Art Policy (CUL 010) and the City
of Pickering Standard Quotation Terms & Conditions.
2. Background
The Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre (Front of Building) public art project is operated and
administered by the City.
As per Section 10.01 of the Public Art Policy (CUL 130), an Open Call w as selected as the Method of
Acquisition. A two-stage process was selected in which Stage 1 pre-qualified a short list of three artists.
The three selected artists were then invited to participate in Phase 2 in which they submitted a detailed
project proposal.
A Call to Artists was issued on December 13, 2024. The Call t o Artists was advertised through the City
of Pickering website as well as Akimbo, and through social media.
As per Section 09.01 of the Policy, a Public Art Jury will be formed on an as-needed basis. The Public
Art Jury evaluates the artist proposals in accordance with the Selection Considerations in Section 11
of the Policy. In this case, a Public Art Jury was convened to judge the submissions based on criteria
established in the Public Art Policy.
Twenty -six artists responded to the Call to Artists with a conceptual design proposal. The Public Art
Jury met on March 6, 2025, to confirm the results of the scoring and selected the top three artists to
move to Phase 2 as per the information set forth in the Call to Artists. The Cultural Advisory Committee
endorsed the top three artists as selected by the Public Art Jury at their meeting on March 18, 2025.
The Phase 2 proposals were received in May 2025. The three concepts were showcased to the
community for public viewing and comment during Artfest on May 24 and 25, and f eatured on Let’s Talk
Pickering from May 29, 2025 to June 4, 2025. Each artist presented their concept to the Public Art Jury
on June 5, 2025. The Public Art Jury reviewed the judging criteria, scored each proposal and ranked
the top three finalists following the artist’s presentations.
Following scoring and discussion, the Jury recommended that Hooman Mehdizadehjafari be awarded
the commission of public art at the front of Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre. The recommendation
was endorsed by the Cultural A dvisory Committee on June 17, 2025.
The conceptual design proposal is set out in Schedule A of the Letter of Understanding. The Artist has
been selected by the City to create, manufacture and install or deliver to the site, as required for the
Attachment 1 to Report CS 22-25
- 107 -
Letter of Understanding
Public Artwork Agreement
different components, the Artwork titled Heritage Tree in accordance with the Conceptual Design, the
Terms of Reference and the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
3. Definitions
Artwork -The “Artwork” means the final piece of artwork developed from the design, model, and
specifications provided by the Artist and approved by the City, which Artwork is more particularly
specified in Schedule “A” attached hereto.
The Work -The “Work” means designing, producing and fabricating the Artwork as well as delivering
and installing it at the Place of Installation.
Place of Installation -The “Place of Installation” is in the at the front of the Dorsay Community & Heritage
Centre more specifically located as shown on the attached drawing Schedule “B” attached hereto.
4.Artist Fee: Compensation and Payment Schedule
a)The all-inclusive price to be paid by the City for the Artwork, completed and installed shall be
$125,000.00 CAD, inclusive of all applicable federal and provincial taxes including HST.
b)Each stage of the payment shall be accompanied by a detailed summary of work completed by
the Artist, including updated drawings and images that states that the Work has progressed and
is proceeding according to Schedule "C” and will be installed by the Delivery Date (as defined
below).
c)H.S.T. shall be enumerated as a separate item on each staged and scheduled payment
pursuant to this Article.
Payment shall be structured in a payment schedule to the Artist as follows:
I.Phase 2: $41,666.66 including HST – after completion of Phase 2 which includes executing
the Letter of Understanding, site visit, fabrication schedule and submission of an invoice from
the Artist;
II.Phase 3: $41,666.66 including HST – after completion of Phase 3 which includes the delivery
of final drawings of all art work components and submission of an invoice from the Artist; and
III.Phase 5: $41,666.66 including HST – after completion of Phase 5 which includes installation of
the artwork at the Place of Installation and upon submission of an invoice from the Artist.
The City agrees:
a)to pay the Artist all funds due and as provided for herein.
5.Payments of Sub-Contractors
The Artist agrees:
a) to ensure that payments will be made to all suppliers and subcontractors that may be engaged
by the Artist in regard to the design, fabrication, storage, delivery and installation of the Artwork.
At the City’s request, the Artist shall provide evidence of such payment.
6. Performance
The Artist agrees:
a)to provide all work and materials necessary to create the Artwork and to fulfill all its obligations
as set out in this Agreement;
b)that the materials, methods and processes used to produce the Artwork shall be of first-class- 108 -
Letter of Understanding
Public Artwork Agreement
quality and expressive of the approved design as detailed in Schedule “A” attached hereto;
c) to use first class skills, diligence and workmanship as are normally found in the artistic
profession, and ensure that all materials incorporated into the Artwork are of the utmost quality
and design in accordance with Schedule “A”;
d) to utilize existing electrical power which has been roughed in up to the location of the artwork.
7. Timelines and Completion of Deliverables
The Artist agrees:
a) to complete the installation of the Artwork to the satisfaction of the City no later than March 15,
2026 “the Delivery Date”) or such later date as may be agreed upon by the Artist and the City in
writing. The installation will i nclude a maintenance/conservation plan submitted by the Artist;
b) during the design and production of the Artwork, to keep the City advised of the status of the
production of the Artwork. If required by the City, the Artist shall allow representatives of the City
to view the Artwork during its various stages of production or provide progress photographs;
c) to submit a progress report and invoice, with supporting receipts and invoices from sub-
contractors, in the form specified by the City, prior to each payment date set out in Schedule “C”.
d) to provide a conservation and maintenance plan which must be approved by the City ;
e) to provide to the City photographs of the Artwork during and after installation in accordance with
Schedule “C”.
The City agrees:
a) to ensure that should the Artist require direction in any regard to the design, fabrication or
installation of the Artwork, the City shall provide such direction in a prompt and timely fashion.
8. Detailed Design
The Artist agrees:
a) To evaluate all material and data relevant to the Artwork as provided by the City and shall
facilitate production of the final design, working with the Cultural Services Unit and other City
departments and design team members, as needed and, in order to finalize the detailed design
and the exact location of the Artwork within the Installation Site, to the satisfaction of the City.
9. Specifications
The Artist agrees:
a) to provide detailed drawings and specifications to the satisfaction of the City and shall advise
the City, in writing, through the Curator, Public Art, of all f actors relating to the Artwork’s theme,
budget, critical path, location, size, materials, structural, mechanical and technological
requirements, installation methods, and future maintenance requirements, to be determined by
the Artist in consultation with the Curator, Public Art;
b) Substantive changes to the Artwork may be undertaken by the Artist only upon receipt of prior
written authorization by the Manager, Cultural Services provided however, that the City’s
objection to any feature of the Artwork which is reasonably attributable to the exercise of the
Artist’s aesthetic judgement during the progress of the development of the Artwork shall not be
considered a substantive change and shall not be a basis for withholding acceptance or payment
for the Artwork.
10. Permits and Engineers Stamp
The Artist agrees: - 109 -
Letter of Understanding
Public Artwork Agreement
a) to obtain at the Artist's sole cost and expense, all permits necessary for the delivery and
installation of the Artwork and prepare all materials, documents, reports, plans and drawings,
required in order to obtain any Structural Engineers' stamps required in connection with the
manufacture and installation of the Artwork at the Installation Site.
11. Delivery, Installation and Protective Measures
The Artist agrees:
a) to be solely responsible for all costs and supervision of the actual fabrication, production and
installation of the Artwork including the cost of any site preparations or safety precautions that
are required for the installation of the Artwork in its final location unless otherwise specified by
the City. If protection during installation is required, then the Artist is to provide it.
b) to deliver the Artwork to the specific site as set out in Place of Installation, free from all defects
and in compliance with the specifications as outlined in Schedule “A” attached hereto;
c) The Artist shall coordinate the installation of the Artwork with the Curator, Public Art and permit
such inspections of the installation as the City may require. If any costs result from the Artist
failing to coordinate the Artist's work with that of [City divisions and contractors], all such costs shall be
borne by the Artist.
d) upon installation of the Artwork, to clean the Artwork to ensure that all dirt, imperfections and
extraneous materials are removed from the Artwork;
e) that installation shall have been deemed to be complete when acceptance by the City or by its
designated agent.
The City agrees:
a) to provide, at its expense, a permanent marker in keeping with the quality and type of the Artwork
which will i dentify the name of the Artist, the name of the Artwork and the year of the Artwork.
b) to provide, at its expense, the footing section of the Artwork based on the specification provided
by the Artist in accordance with Schedule “A”.
12. Damage to Artwork and Artist’s Property
The Artist agrees:
a) that in the event of physical loss or damage to the Artwork prior to completion of installation and
acceptance of the Artwork by the City, the Artist shall immediately take all necessary steps to
rectify the loss or damage by repair, restoration, replacement or other appropriate means as
soon as is reasonably possible at no additional expense to the City. Where necessary, the Artist
may collect insurance proceeds before rectifying the loss or damage and shall rectify the loss or
damage as soon as is reasonably possible after receipt of said funds.
b) to be responsible for any loss or damage whatsoever to any of the Artist's materials, goods,
equipment or supplies and will maintain all-risk coverage as required by this Agreement and as
any prudent owner of such materials, goods, supplies and equipment would maintain. The Artist
shall have no claim against the City or the City’s insurers for any damage or loss to the Artist's
property and shall require his insurers to waive any right of subrogation against the City.
The City agrees:
a) that following acceptance of the Artwork, the City will use its best efforts to maintain and repair
any damage done to the Artwork by vandalism or other means substantially in accordance with
the conservation and maintenance plan to be provided by the Artist. The City will make
reasonable efforts to inform the Artist of such damage and to offer the Artist the opportunity to
consult with the City on the proposed repairs. - 110 -
Letter of Understanding
Public Artwork Agreement
13. Warranty, Repair and Maintenance
The Artist agrees:
a) that upon receipt of the Artwork, should the City find any deficiencies in the Artwork, it will
advise the Artist in writing and the Artist must rectify such deficiency within ten (10) days of
receipt of such notice. Should it not be possible to complete rectifying the deficiencies within
ten (10) days, the Artist shall provide a Schedule to the City that is acceptable to the City
indicating when completion will oc cur.
b) in the event that the Artwork shall require repairs subsequent to the date of completion arising
from normal weathering and “wear and tear”; then in such event the City shall advise the Artist
in writing as to the nature of such repair and offer the Artist first right of refusal to carry out such
repair within times and consideration as mutually agreed upon by the City and the Artist. Should the Artist fail to advise the City within thirty (30) days of receipt by the Artist of the written offer, or should
the Artist and the City fail to agree on times and consideration, then in any such event the City, or a third
party hired by the City, shall be at liberty to carry out any and all repairs. In determining the time and
consideration for such repairs, both parties agree to act reasonably.
c) notwithstanding the foregoing and with the exclusion of the maintenance criteria set out in the
conservation and maintenance plan submitted by the Artist, during the first three (3) years after
installation and acceptance by the City, the Artist agrees to repair any defects or deficiencies
(normal w eathering and “wear and tear” excepted) in the Artwork without any charge to the City.
The City agrees:
a) to keep the Artwork in a clean condition, free of debris or banners or signage which defaces the
Artwork, all to the level which the City considers to be appropriate and in accordance with the
conservation and maintenance plan to be approved by the City and that will be provided by the
Artist.
14. Removal and Relocation of Artwork
The City agrees:
a) to endeavor to exhibit the Artwork in the original location and in its original and complete format
subject to the City’s right to decommission or remove the Artwork or a particular piece thereof
for reasons which may include, but are not limited to, the structural integrity of the Artwork, expiry
of the expected lifespan of the Artwork, extensive or irreparable damage or vandalism or by
reason of the necessity to accommodate the effective operation of the Esplanade Park.
b) to consult, where possible, on the restoration or removal of public art, but shall retain the right to
restore, relocate, or archive a work of public art without the artist's and/or donor's consent.
15. Insurance
The Artist agrees:
a) that upon request by the City, the Artist shall take out and keep in force a policy of liability
insurance in the amount of $2,000,000 inclusive each occurrence (or such larger amount as
may be required), and not less than two million ($2,000,000.00) automotive liability insurance
coverage for the duration of the Artists work. Certificate(s) of insurance shall be provided upon
request by the City.
i. The policy shall include The Corporation of the City of Pickering, as additional named
insured without subrogation in respect of all work and operations performed by or on
behalf of the Artist, a certificate of insurance shall be completed by the Artists agent,
broker or insurer. - 111 -
Letter of Understanding
Public Artwork Agreement
ii. The policy shall include The Corporation of the City of Pickering, as additional named
insured without subrogation in respect of all work and operations performed by or on
behalf of the Artist, a certificate of insurance shall be completed by the Artists agent,
broker or insurer.
iii. The policy shall not be altered, cancelled or allowed to expire or lapse, without thirty
(30) days prior written notice to the City.
iv. If the City is not provided with a renewal of the policy at least thirty (30) days prior to its
expiration date, then the City may arrange a public liability policy insuring the City in the
amount of $2,000,000.00 and an automotive liability policy insuring the City in the
amount of two million ($2,000,000) at the expense of the Artist, which may be
recovered from amounts owed to the Artist or from any form of security still in the City's
possession.
16. Indemnification
The Artist agrees:
a) to indemnify and hold harmless the City, its Mayor and Councillors, employees and agents for
any and all losses, claims, demands, suits, actions, judgments, or costs which may arise from
any physical deficiencies or deformities or structural failures of the Work which render the
Artwork inconsistent with the approved design. The Artist agrees that this indemnity shall survive
the period of time required to fulfill this contract and extend to the useful l ife of the Artwork and
shall be binding upon the Artists’ personal representatives, administrators, executors and
assigns.
b) to indemnify the City, its Mayor and Councillors, employees and agents from and against all
liens, all builders liens, claims, actions, costs and damages which may arise during installation
of the Work on the Place of Installation. No finding of negligence, whether joint or several, as
against the City in favour of any third party shall operate to relieve or shall be deemed to relieve
the Artist in any manner from any liability to the City, whether such liability arises under this
Agreement or otherwise.
c) to warrant that the Artwork is original to the Artist and does not violate any copyright of any other
person. The Artist shall indemnify and hold harmless the City, its Mayor and Councillors,
employees and agents for any and all losses, claims, demands, suits, actions, judgements or
costs that may arise from the allegation that the Artwork is not original to the Artist.
17. Occupational Health and Safety Act
The Artist agrees:
a) to conform to and enforce strict compliance with the requirements of the Occupational Health
and Safety Act, R.S.O., 1990 c.0.1 and all regulations thereunder, as amended from time to time
(collectively the "OHSA").
b) that nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as making the City the "employer" (as defined
in the OHSA) of any workers employed or engaged by the Artist either instead of or jointly with
the Artist.
c) that it will ensure that all subcontractors engaged by it are qualified to perform the services and
that the employees of the Artist and of all subcontractors are trained in the health and safety
hazards expected to be encountered in the Services.
18. Workplace Safety & Insurance
The Artist agrees: - 112 -
Letter of Understanding
Public Artwork Agreement
a) that all of the Company’s personnel must be covered by the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board
at the Company’s expense. The Company shall provide the City with a Clearance Certificate
from the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board prior to the commencement of work, certifying
that all assessments and liabilities payable to the Board have been paid, and that the bidder is
in good standing with the Board.
b) to provide the City with a Clearance Certificate prior to final pay ment certifying all payments by
the Company to the Board in conjunction with the subject Contract have been made and that
the City will not be liable to the Board for future payments in connection with the Company’s
completion of the project.
c) That a Company deemed to be an Independent Operator by the Workplace Safety & Insurance
Board will provide a copy of such letter to the City containing the Independent Operator
identification number issued by the Board. An Independent Operator must be covered by WSIB
optional insurance and provide proof of this coverage upon request.
19. Delays
The Artist and the City agree that:
a) neither party shall be responsible for any failure to comply with or for any delay in performance
of the terms of this Agreement including but not limited to delays in delivery, where such failure
or delay is directly or indirectly caused by or results from events of force majeure beyond the
control of the party sought to be charged. These events shall include, but not be limited to fire,
earthquake, accident, civil disturbances, war, rationing, allocation of embargoes, strikes or
labour problems or delays in transportation, inability to secure necessary materials, parts or
components, delay or failure of performance of any supplier or subcontractor, acts of Nature or
acts of Government.
20. Early Termination
The Artist and the City agree that:
a) notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the City may, at any time and without
cause, prior to completion of the Artwork, terminate this Agreement by providing sixty (60) days'
notice in writing to the Artist. In the event of such termination, the City shall not incur any liability
to the Artist other than work completed to the date of termination in accordance with the payment
schedule and reimburse the Artist for the demonstrable, reasonable actual costs to the Artist
incurred in connection with the Artwork, to the date of termination, as well as any demonstrable,
reasonable outstanding liability owed by the Artist to the Artist's contractors, subcontractors, or
employees incurred in connection with such termination;
b) failure of the Artist to perform its obligations under the Agreement shall entitle the City to
terminate the Agreement upon ten (10) calendar days’ written notice to the Artist if a breach
which is remediable is not rectified by the Artist to the City's satisfaction and within the timeframe
set out in the City's notice of breach. In the event of such termination, the City shall not incur
any liability to the Artist other than work completed to the date of termination in accordance with
the payment schedule and reimburse the Artist for the demonstrable, reasonable actual costs
to the Artist incurred in connection with the Artwork, to the date of termination, as well as any
demonstrable, reasonable outstanding liability owed by the Artist to the Artist’s contractors,
subcontractors, or employees incurred in connection with such termination:
c) all r ights and remedies of the City for any breach of the Artist’s obligations under the Agreement
shall be cumulative and not exclusive or mutually exclusive alternatives and may be exercised
singularly, jointly or ion combination and shall not be deemed to be in exclusion of any other - 113 -
Letter of Understanding
Public Artwork Agreement
rights or remedies available to the City under the Agreement or otherwise at law;
d) no delay or omission by the City in exercising any right or remedy shall operate as a waiver of
them or of any other right or remedy, and no single or partial exercise of a right or remedy shall
preclude any other or further exercise of them or the exercise of any other right or remedy; and
e) upon termination, all work and material of the Artist pertaining to the Artwork shall be delivered
to or retained by the City at no further cost or liability to the City.
21. Ownership
The Artist and the City agree:
a) ownership of the Artwork, the model/maquette and all documentation supplied to the City in
connection with the Artwork, will v est in the City upon final pay ment for same.
22. Copyright
The Artist and the City agree that:
a) copyright in the Artwork shall remain with the Artist.
The Artist agrees:
a) to hereby grant the sole, perpetual and royalty free license to exhibit the Artwork in public and
to use photographs, drawings, film, video, and other mechanical reproductions of the Artwork
throughout the world to the City for publicity purposes only.
b) to authorize the City to use the Artist’s name in connection with the Artwork and in the promotion
and advertising of the City.
c) not to replicate the Artwork for any other client or purchaser.
d) to use best efforts to give credit to the City as the owner of the Artwork.
The City agrees:
a) to use its best efforts to have the Artist’s name associated with the Artwork in photographs,
drawings or other reproductions of the Artwork except where the Artwork is not the primary
subject of the said reproduction.
23. Death or Incapacity of Artist
The Artist and the City agree that:
a) in the event of a death or incapacity of the Artist before the complete installation of the Artwork,
the City shall be vested with title to the unfinished Artwork upon paying the Artist, their personal
representatives, administrators, executors or executrix a sum in the direct proportion of the
percent of the Artwork completed to that date as determined by the City and shall be permitted
to complete the Artwork in a manner generally consistent w ith the original design of the Artist.
24. Mediation
The Artist and the City agree:
a) that all disputes pertaining to the interpretation or implementation of this Agreement shall be
resolved first by good faith negotiation between the parties. In the event that a dispute cannot
be resolved by negotiation between the parties, the parties agree to use the services of a
mediator to attempt to resolve their differences and failing agreement on the procedure to be
followed, it shall be conducted in accordance with the “Rules of Procedure for the Conduct of
Mediation” of the ADR Institute of Ontar io. In the event that the mediation does not result in a - 114 -
Letter of Understanding
Public Artwork Agreement
settlement of the dispute, any unresolved issues may be taken to any other appropriate dispute
resolution process agreed to by the parties, including arbitration or an appropriate court process.
Should arbitration be chosen, it will be conducted in accordance with the “Rules of Procedures
for the Conduct of Arbitration” of the ADR Institute of Ontario pursuant to the Arbitrations Act.
Any claim or action brought pursuant to this Agreement shall only be brought in the courts of the
Province of Ontario.
This Agreement forms the entire agreement between parties and no other representations either oral
or written shall form part of this Agreement.
The rights and remedies of the City under this Agreement are cumulative and in addition to any rights
and remedies provided by law or equity.
To the City at:
The City of Pickering
One the Esplanade
Pickering , Ontario
The City’s Representative for the purpose of this Agreement will be
Laura Gibbs.
To the Artist at:
Hooman Mehdizadehjafari
hooman.mehdizadeh.jafari@gmail.com
1943 Spruce Hill Road
Pickering Ontario. L1V 1S6
Or to such other address or person as the parties may designate to each other in writing.
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__________________________ __________________________
__________________________ __________________________
__________________________ __________________________
Letter of Understanding
Public Artwork Agreement
It is deemed that notice is received five (5) days after the mailing of any notice or upon delivery, if
personally delivered.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have had this Letter of Understanding executed.
Hooman Mehdizadehjafari, Artist Date
Kevin Ashe, Mayor Date
City of Pickering
Susan Cassel, City Clerk Date
City of Pickering
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Letter of Understanding
Public Artwork Agreement
GENERAL
Schedule A: The Artwork (Artist’s Concept proposal document attached)
Schedule B: Place of Installation (Place of Installation document attached)
Schedule C: Detailed Fabrication Schedule
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Schedule A - PHCC Public Art Proposal Package
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Schedule B - Location of Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre Public Art Piece
Image of where the public art commission will be located.
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Letter of Understanding
Public Artwork Agreement
SCHEDULE C
Detailed Fabrication Schedule
WORK PLAN
The completion dates for each phase of the project as set out below shall be finalized upon final
determination of the construction commencement date and prior to commencement of the Phase 2
services.
Phase 1 – September, 2025
• Agreement signed by all parties
• Proof of insurance and WSIB provided to the satisfaction of the City
Phase 2 -To be completed by October 13, 2025 to the satisfaction the City
(PAYMENT)
• Preliminary Drawings of all components and connections
• Preliminary fabrication schedule and pricing
Phase 3 -To be completed by November 3, 2025 to the satisfaction of t he City (PAYMENT)
• Final design and pricing
This phase will include the following approvals by the client:
• Design drawings, including all components and connections.
• Completion of detail design.
This phase will include the following approvals by the client:
• Final sign-off of shop drawings for production
• Shipping & installation plan completed, in cooperation with stakeholders and other
relevant contractors, and to the satisfaction of the City.
Phase 4 -To be completed by March 2, 2026 to the satisfaction of the City
• Complete off -site fabrication of Artwork and all its components, to the satisfaction of the City. All
permits and approvals acquired.
Phase 5 – To be completed by March 23, 2026 to the satisfaction of t he City (PAYMENT)
• Complete on-site installation of the Artwork and all its components, to the satisfaction of the City.
• Delivery of maintenance manual, including Photographic documentation, Artist statement,
Biography
• Attendance at the unveiling event in April, 2026.
• Final acceptance of Artwork to the satisfaction of the City
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1
Call to Artists – Expression of Interest (EOI)
Public Art Commission, Pickering Heritage & Community Centre – Front of
Building
Deadline: February 13, 2025, at 4 pm EDT.
Digital rendering of the Pickering Heritage & Community Centre – Front of Building
Artist Opportunity
The City of Pickering invites artists or artist teams to respond to this Call for Artists
to create permanent outdoor public artwork for the main entrance of the new
Pickering Heritage & Community Centre (PHCC).
As per the City of Pickering’s Public Art Policy (CUL 130) an artist is defined as the
designer/creator of an artistic work and can include, but is not limited to, a
professional artist, graphic designer, collaborative team, architect, or landscape
designer.
The total budget for the project, including artist fees, materials, and installation,
and other associated costs, is $125,000.00 (including HST ). *
*Funding pending approval of the 2025 Budget.
The successful artist/ artist team will be selected through a two-stage process.
One (1) artist/ artist team will be awarded the opportunity.
Site Background
The City of Pickering resides on land within the Treaty and traditional territory of
the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and Williams Treaties signatories
of the Mississauga and Chippewa Nations.
Attachment 2 to Report CS 22-25
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2
The Pickering Heritage & Community Centre (PHCC) designed by Hariri Pontarini
Architects explores the intersection of memory institutions - museum, library,
gallery and archive - into an integrated, dynamic, facility which will serve as a
community gathering place and gateway to the existing components. Located
adjacent to a ravine, the building is positioned to be sensitive to the natural
ecology of the site while opening up views in all directions to the surrounding
landscape. The sustainably sourced materials selected for the building are inspired
by existing heritage buildings located in the Village: naturally -aged, weathered,
wood and dry -stacked field stone. User engagement has been critical to the design
process and a successful project will be an attraction for the local community and
visitors alike. Construction began in Spring, 2024 and the building is to be
completed in 2026.
The facility will be located on the Pickering Museum Village site. #1 on the map
marks where the Pickering Heritage & Community Centre will be located.
About PHCC
The City of Pickering is making an investment in arts, heritage, and culture with the
Pickering Heritage & Community Centre. This innovative project will bring the
Museum, Library, and Community Centre into one dynamic facility.
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3
Construction of this 44,000 square-foot facility has commenced, and is being
undertaken by J.R. Certus Construction Co. Ltd.
What amenities will the new facility have?
• Exhibit gallery
• Program room
• Multi-purpose hall (with a stage)
• Kitchen suitable for public programs
• Library Express Kiosk and Local History Experience Centre
• Collections storage
• Gift shop
• Outdoor program spaces
This project is guided by the City’s Cultural Strategic Plan, which sets a vision for
the place of arts, culture, and heritage in the City and identifies strategic directions
for policy, investment, partnerships, and programs.
The Pickering Heritage & Community Centre has a strong vision and seven
guiding principles in place (Belonging & Wellbeing, Learning & Storytelling,
Innovation, Adaption & Responsiveness, Discovery & Play, Sustainability, and
Decolonization). View the entire PHCC Vision & Guiding Principles document
here.
Project Brief
The City of Pickering’s Cultural Strategic Plan (2014) outlines the City’s
commitment to collaborate with the community to celebrate our cultural diversity,
heritage, and the arts; to sustain our natural environment; to foster a creative
economy; and to strengthen our vibrant neighborhoods.
The artwork will be in front of the building “Formal” entry way. The location for the
art makes it unique as it will be visible for people driving by Highway 7.
Image of where the public art commission will be located.
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4
The top three (3) artists/teams will be required to attend an in-person presentation
in front of the community . The City, will facilitate consultation between the
artists/team s and the community as well as other project stakeholders. Detailed
Terms of Reference will be provided to the shortlisted artist/ artists teams to help
them prepare their concept.
Budget
$125,000.00 CAD including HST (maximum)*. This is the total amount available
for all related expenses of this public art project including, but not limited to: up to 2
rounds of revisions, artist fees, all applicable taxes, detailed renderings, materials,
technical consultations, community consultation, foundation, and approvals or
other expertise as required (engineering review), fabrication, installation,
insurance, equipment, travel to meetings and to the site, and an artist statement
for completed work.
* Funding pending approval of the 2025 Budget.
The selected artist will enter into a written agreement with the City of Pickering
following the approval of the acquisition of the public art outlined in the City’s
Public Art Policy.
This agreement will address the artist's obligations, which include, but are not
limited to:
• Materials
• Timelines
• Installation
• Maintenance and/or conservation plans
• Warranty
• Copyright, Intellectual Property and Moral Rights
• Payments to sub-contractors
Selection Process
Stage 1: Call to Artists – Expression of Interest (EOI)
A public art jury comprised of practicing arts professionals, project stakeholders
and community members will be established for the evaluation of the Stage 1
submissions.
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5
Expression of Interest (EOI) Submissions: Artists/ Artist teams are invited to
respond to this EOI by submitting a single pdf document including:
• CV: Professional resume (3-pages max). If submitting as a team, an
individual resume should be submitted for each team member.
• Artist statement: describe your interest in this project and share your
experience in the field. You can submit a written document (1-page max) or
record an audio or video message (MP3 or MP4 file, max 20 MB).
• Portfolio of past work: Examples of relevant work. You may include
multiple images per project on 1 page of a maximum to 10 projects (10-
pages). Add title, year, scope, budget and a short description.
• References: A list of at least two professional references familiar with your
work and working methods. The list must include name, title, complete e-
mail addresses and telephone numbers.
Submissions must be uploaded through the link here.
Deadline: February 13, 2025, at 4 pm EDT.
If the submissions exceed 20 MB, artists should contact Stoyan Barakov, Curator,
Public Art who will provide a link to an external file share program.
Incomplete submissions or submissions received after the deadline will not
be juried.
Stage 2: Request for Proposal (RFP)
The Public Art Jury will review all submissions and identify a short-list based on
artistic excellence and demonstrated or perceived ability to create and execute an
innovative, engaging public artwork that is complementary to the overall design
scheme and community context.
The Jury will select a short-list of three (3) artists/artist teams for Stage 2 –
Request for Proposal (RFP). Each of the three (3) artists/artist teams will be
compensated $1,500 CAD including HST for their time and the creation of concept
for Stage 2.
The short-listed artists will be notified by Week of March 17, 2025 and invited to
present their concept to the community and the public art jury during “Artf est” held
on May 23 & 24, 2025*. This concept presentation and community consultation will
be based on the Terms of Reference provided prior . As part of the process, short-
listed artists must attend the in-person presentation (online presentations may be
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6
accommodated).
When evaluating specific artwork proposals, the Public Art Jury will consider the
vision, mandate and objectives of the Public Art Program and the objectives listed
in the Public Art Opportunity outlined on Page 1 of this Call to Artists. The Public
Art Jury (as per section 07.02 of the City of Pickering Public Art Policy (CUL 130)
will also consider the artists:
• Artistic excellence of previous work;
• Ability to achieve the highest quality of contemporary artistic excellence and
innovation;
• Professional qualifications and relevant working experience as related to
the public art project brief;
• Ability to manage a project and experience working with a design team,
project team and/or community group, as appropriate;
• Potential to comprehend, access and interpret relevant technical
requirements; and,
• Interest in and understanding of the public art opportunity and the context.
The proposals may be used by the City of Pickering in meetings with community
groups, stakeholders and staff.
*Pending approval of the 2025 Budget.
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7
Anticipated Schedule
It is expected that the commissioned artist(s) will comply with the project’s general timeline
dates, as stated below:
Date* Project Phase
December 13, 2024 Issue Call to Artists: EOI
February 13, 2025 Call to Artists: EOI Submissions due
Week of March 17, 2025 Shortlisted Artists notified
Issue Terms of Reference
May 12, 2025 Conceptual Proposals due
May 23 & 24, 2025 Community Presentation during “Artf est”
June 23, 2025 Final Conceptual Proposals due
September 2025
Selected Artist notified*
Contract Execution
*Funding pending approval of the 2025 Budget.
September
Technical Review with project staff. This meeting
will provide the selected Artist with further
technical specifications and feedback on the
submitted conceptual artwork from lead project
staff from the City
October 2025 to April 2026 Artwork Fabrication
May 2026 Anticipated installation date
*Schedule is subject to change
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8
Accessibility
The City will provide accommodations throughout the selection process to
applicants with disabilities. Please notify Stoyan Barakov, Curator, Public Art at
289.200.7829 or sbarakov@pickering.ca of the nature of any accommodation(s)
that you may require in respect of any materials or processes used to ensure your
equal participation.
Reserved Rights of the City of Pickering
The City of Pickering, at its sole discretion, may request clarification or request
additional information, as deemed necessary to evaluate the submissions. The
City retains the sole discretion to determine whether a submission is responsive
and if the prospective Artist or Artist Team is capable of performing the Work. The
City reserves the right, at it sole discretion, to determine the number of pre-
qualified Artists or Artist Teams. The City reserve the right to not proceed with
awarding a contract.
Publication of Information
The City of Pickering shall have the exclusive rights to issue all public
announcements regarding the competition.
Additional Information
For any additional information or questions please contact: Stoyan Barakov,
Curator, Public Art at 289.200.7829 or sbarakov@pickering.ca.
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Report to
Executive Committee
Report Number: CS 23-25
Date: September 2, 2025
From: Laura Gibbs
Director, Community Services
Subject: Community Association Licence Agreements
Amberlea Tennis Club
File: A-1440-001
Recommendation:
1. That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the Licence Agreement with
Amberlea Tennis Club submitted as Attachment 1 to this report, subject to minor
revisions as may be required by the Director, Community Services and the Director,
Corporate Services & City Solicitor; and,
2. That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the necessary
actions as indicated in this report.
Executive Summary: The purpose of this report is to provide an updated Licence
Agreement with the Amberlea Tennis Club (ATC).
As per Resolution #694/25, that the Pickering Pickleball Club Inc. (PPC) be provided with six
months’ notice of the termination of the Licence Agreement for pickleball courts at Shadybrook
Park no later than April 1, 2025 and that following the notice for the termination of the Licence
Agreement, the remaining pickleball lines be removed and the court will revert to tennis only
courts, an update to the existing ATC Licence Agreement is required.
This decision has necessitated an updated Licence Agreement with ATC which is before
Council, through this report, for approval.
Relationship to the Pickering Strategic Plan: The recommendations in this report respond
to the Pickering Strategic Plan Priority of Advocate for an Inclusive, Welcoming, Safe &
Healthy Community .
Financial Implications: The City of Pickering is responsible for funding the general
operating costs of the courts at Shadybrook Park. Costs are reflected annually within the City
Infrastructure Departm ent Budget. The City is also responsible for the capital costs to
resurface or reconstruct the tennis courts, varying year-to-y ear depending on need.
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CS 23-25 September 2, 2025
Page 2
Discussion: The purpose of this report is to provide an updated Licence Agreement with
the ATC.
ATC is an incorporated, not for profit volunteer run club with 359 members, including 244
adults and 115 juniors in the 2025 season. Membership to ATC provides access to social and
non-competitive drop-in play and house league, lessons, tournaments and inter-club play and
events for all ages and all skill levels. ATC has also dedicated tim e for the development of
youth tennis players with Club junior after school drop in and summer camp programs as well
as providing courts for the St Mary’s High School tennis team .
Decision History
a) At the Council meeting of February 28, 2022, Council received correspondence Corr.
11-22 (Resolution #814/22) from ATC requesting the design and construction of a third
court at Shadybrook Park to be used jointly for tennis and pickleball. Through
Resolution #825/22, Council directed staff to discuss ATC’s proposal; conduct an
engagement of the residents who reside in the A mberlea community near Shadybrook
Park; identify possible funding sources for construction; and, to report back to Council
through the Executive Committee no later than the June 6, 2022 meeting.
b) At the Council meeting of June 27, 2022 Council approved the recommendations in
Report CS 11-22 to expand the courts at Shadybrook Park with a third court to be
shared between tennis and pickleball (Resolution #935/22).
c) At the Council meeting on June 26, 2023, Council approved the recommendations in
Report CS 16-23 that recommended the renewal of six lease agreements with Tennis
Clubs, including the ATC for the operation of the Shadybrook Park Tennis Courts.
d) At the Council meeting of March 24, 2024 Council approved the recommendations in
Report ENG 03-24 to approve the Licence Agreements for the ATC and the PPC f or
shared use of a third court; and the award of the construction tender for the third court
expansion (Resolution #435/24)
e) At the Council meeting of March 24, 2025, Council provided through a motion
(Resolution #694/25) that due to the frequency and volume of noise arising from
pickleball play, that staff be directed to terminate the Licence Agreement with the PPC
with a notice period of six months; the number of pickleball courts be reduced from four
to two by taking the two eastern pickleball courts out of play; that noise panels be
installed on two to three sides of the court; that at the end of the six months’ notice
period, that all remaining pickleball lines be removed and for the courts to revert back to
tennis only; and that all stakeholders including residents adjacent to Shadybrook Park
and the PPC be notified of these changes.
There is c ontinued operations of the Shadybrook Park Courts by the Amberlea Tennis Club.
As such, an updated Licence Agreement with ATC is required which is set out in Attachment
for a term beginning October 1, 2025 and ending December 31, 2028. The purpose of this
report is to seek approval of the Licence Agreement.
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CS 23-25 September 2, 2025
Page 3
Attachment:
1. Amberlea Tennis Club Licence Agreement
Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By:
2ULJLQDO6LJQHG%\ 2ULJLQDO6LJQHG%\
Karen Coleman, BA Laura Gibbs, MBA, MSc.
Manager, Recreation Services Director, Community Services
LG :kc
Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering City Council
2ULJLQDO6LJQHG%\
Marisa Carpino, M.A.
Chief Administrative Officer
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1
Licence Agreement
This Licenc e Agreem ent is m ade as of the 1st day of October 2025
Betw een:
T he Corporation of the City of Pickering (the "City")
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Amberlea Tennis Club (the "Club")
Article I Interpretation
Recitals:
1. Whereas the pickleball courts at Shadybrook Park are being removed and
transitioned back to a tennis court, a new licence agreement is required to replace
the previous agreement that was dated April 1st , 2024; and
2. Whereas the Club has requested to use all three of the tennis courts practic e area,
and stor age bunkers, within Shadybrook Park as show n on Schedule “A” attac hed
hereto, located at 1905 Shadybrook Driv e, in the City of Pickering, Region of
Durham and wher eas these tennis courts shall hereinafter be referred to as the
“licenc ed premises”; and
3. Whereas the Club wishes to use the licenc ed premises on a seasonal basis f or the
purpose of operating their non-profit tennis club.
4. Whereas the City has agreed to grant to the Club a seasonal licenc e subjec t to the
term s and conditions contained in this agreement, permitting the Club to access
and use the licenced premises f or the purpose of operating its non-profit tennis
club. Therefore in this agreement the “City” is the Licensor and the “Club” will be
the Licensee.
Definitions
5. In this Agreement,
a) "Commencement Date" m eans October 1st , 2025 ;
b) "Licenced Premises" means that portion of the three tennis courts , practic e
area, storage bunkers, within Shadybrook Park therein as shown on Schedule
“A” attached hereto, located at 1905 Shadybrook Drive, in the City of
Pickering, Regional Municipality of Durham;
c) "Licence Fee" m eans the f ee payable pursuant to Section 22; and
d) "Term" m eans the term of this Licenc e Agreem ent as set out in Section 18.
Headings
6. The division of this Agreem ent into articles, sections, subsections and schedules and
$WWDFKPHQWWR5HSRUW&6
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2
the insertion of headings are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect
the construction or interpretation of this Agreement.
Severability
7. A ll of the provisions of this Agreem ent ar e to be construed as covenants even where
not expressed as such. If any such provision is held to be or rendered invalid,
unenforceable or illegal, then it shall be considered separate and severable from this
Agreement and the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in force.
Governing Law
8. This Agreem ent shall be gover ned by , and interpreted and enforc ed in accordance
with, the laws in force in the Province of Ontario.
Entire Agreement
9. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties concerning the
Premises and may only be amended or supplemented by an agreement in writing
signed by both parties.
Article II Grant and Use
Grant of Licence
10. (a) In consideration of the performanc e by the Club of its obligations under this
Agreement, the City grants permission to the Club to use the licenced
premises during the Term on a seasonal basis. The Club acknowledges its
right to use the seasonal, portable washrooms facilities is non-exclusive.
(b) The Club acknowledges that this agreem ent does not create an interest in the
licenced premises nor does the Club claim any past or present interest,
howsoev er arising, as a result of or connected in any w ay with the use of the
licenced premises.
(c) The licenc e granted herein is only f or the duration of this agreem ent and only f or
the purposes and uses stated herein. No other purposes or use shall be
permitted without prior written approv al from the Director of Community
Services.
Club U se of Premises
11. The Premises shall be used only for Amberlea’s non-profit tennis club, at its
expense and f or no other purpose without the prior written consent of the City which
consent may be withheld by the City in its sole discretion.
Nuisance
12. The Club shall not carry on any activities or do or suffer any act or thing that
constitutes a nuisanc e or whic h is offensiv e or an annoyanc e to the City or other
users of Shadybrook Park.
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City U se of Premises
13. It is acknowledged that if the Club for whatever reason is not actively using the
licenced premises then this agreement shall be considered to be terminated and the
City shall be free to use the licenced premises for its own purposes. The Club shall
not be entitled to receive any rental fees or any other type of remuneration associated
with the use of the Premises by the City or any other party.
Assignment
14. The Club shall not assign this Licenc e without the prior written consent of the City .
Licences
15. The Club m ay not grant licenc es to any other party to use the licenc ed Premises.
16. The Club shall submit their annual financial statem ent to the City by Decem ber 1st of
each year.
17. The Club shall submit a list of the Club Board of Directors and their contac t
information to the City by December 1st of each year.
Article III Ter m
Ter m
18. The term of this Licenc e shall be three years and 3 months from the
Commencement Date to Decem ber 31st , 2028.
19. The City m ay terminate this Licenc e at any tim e f or any reason provided it has given
the Club six (6) months prior notice in writing.
20. The Club m ay terminate this Licenc e at any tim e f or any reason provided it has given
the City six (6) months prior notice in writing.
Overholding
21. If the Club continues to use the Premises after the expiry of the Term, there shall be
no tacit renewal of this Agreement or the Term, notwithstanding statutory provisions
or any legal presumption to the contrary, and the Club shall be deemed to be
trespassing.
Article IV Licence Fee
Licence Fee
22. The Club shall pay to the City as a licenc e f ee f or the entire Term in lawf ul m oney of
Canada the sum of One (1) Dollar ($1.00)
Utilities
23. The Club shall pay annual charges to the City f or eac h of the tennis courts on site f or
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4
hydro use. This amount shall be paid on or before April 1st in each year of the term.
Annual charges are subject to The General Municipal Fees By -law.
Article V
Maintenance, Repair s and Alterations of the Licenced Premises
24. The Club shall maintain and operate the Premises so that they shall alway s be of
good appearance, tidy, clean, safe and suitable for the proper operation of the
Premises.
25. The Club shall provide general maintenanc e servic es to the Premises at its expense
and shall provide all necessary cleaning and maintenance supplies and cleaning
equipment related to the courts and any associated building under their exclusive
use.
26. The Club, at its sole expense shall provide the cour t nets and any shade screening.
This would include installation, removal and storage each year.
27. The City or its designate, shall be responsible for all day -to-day operating expenses
including garbage removal, bleachers, benches, fencing, any building associated with
use of the courts, lighting and the court surface life cycle replacement.
28. The Club shall be responsible f or any dam ages or costs incurred due to the misuse
or negligenc e of the Club, its employees, invitees, servants, agents, or other s under
its control and the Club shall pay to the City on demand the expense of any repairs
including the City’s reasonable administration charge necessitated by such
negligence or misuse.
29. The Club shall immediately notif y the City of any unsaf e conditions on the Premises.
Securit y
30. The Club shall be responsible f or the gate loc k and shall ensure that the gate is
properly locked at the end of each day during the tennis season. The Club will
ensure that any key or combination to any lock are provided to the City for
maintenance and inspection access.
Alterations/Improvements to Premises
31. The Club shall only be permitted to mak e alterations and improvements to the
Premises that hav e been approv ed by the City .
Article VI Insurance and Indemnity
Club's Insurance
32. The Club, at its sole cost and expense, shall tak e out and maintain,
a) insuranc e upon property ow ned by it whic h is located on the Premises; and
b) commercial general liability insuranc e pertaining to the Club's liability to other s
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5
in respect of injury, death or damage to property occurring upon, in or about
the Premises. Such insurance to be of an amount which is reasonable and
sufficient having regard to the scope of the risk and the current practice of
prudent owners of similar premises for the carrying on of similar businesses,
but in any ev ent in an am ount not less than two million dollars ($2,000,000.00)
for claims arising out of one occurrence. Such policy shall also name the City
as an additional named insured and may not be c ancelled unless prior notice
by registered letter has been given to the City by the insurer 30 days in
advance of the expiry date.
33. Prior to the Commencement Date, the Club shall file with the City a Certificate of
Insuranc e in a for m satisfactor y to the City Treasurer, verifying that the commercial
general liability insurance policy is in effect and setting out the essential terms and
conditions of the insurance.
34. The provision of the insurance policy required by this section shall not relieve the
Club from liability f or claim s not covered by the polic y or whic h exc eed its limits, if
any, for which the Club may be held responsible.
Insurance Risks
35. The Club shall not do, omit to do, or permit to be done or omitted to be done upon the
Premises anything that may contravene or be prohibited by any of the City's
insurance policies in force from time to time covering or relevant to any part of the
Premises or which would prevent the City from procuring its policies with companies
acceptable to the City. If the conduct of business in the Premises or any acts or
omissions of the Club on the Premises causes or results in any increase in premiums
for any of the City's insurance policies, the Club shall pay such increase to the City.
Indemnification
36. Each of the City and the Club shall indemnify and save harmless the other from and
against any and all actions, losses, damages, claims, costs and expenses (including
solicitors' fees on a solicitor and client basis) to which the party being indemnified
shall or m ay becom e liable by reason of any breac h, violation or non-performanc e by
the party so indemnifying of any covenant, term or provision of this Licence
agreement or by reason of any damage, injury or death occasioned to or suffered by
any person or persons including the City or the Club, as the case may be, or any
property by reason of any wrongful act, neglect or default on the part of the party so
indemnifying or any of those persons for whom it is in law responsible. For greater
certainty, the limitation of liability set out above in this section does not extend to
claims, losses or damages resulting in whole or in part from the gross negligence or
will ful misconduct of the party c laiming indemnification, its employees or those for
whom it is in law responsible.
Article VII Remedies on Default
City's R ight to Remedy Default
37. In addition to all other remedies the City m ay hav e under this Agreem ent and in law , if
the Club is in default of any of its obligations under this Agreement, and such default
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6
has continued for a period of ten (10) days after receipt of notice by the Club (or such
longer period as may be reasonably required in the circumstances to cure such
default, except in an emergency where the City will not be required to give notice),
the City, without prejudice to any other rights which it may have with respect to such
default, m ay rem edy suc h default and the Club shall be responsible f or all suc h costs.
In addition, if the Licensee fails to remedy any default or breach within 10 days of
being notified of the default or breach the Licensor may then immediately terminate
this agreement.
Waiver
38. No condoning, excusing or overlooking by the City of any default, breach or non-
observance by the Club at any time or times in respect of any covenant, obligation
under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of the City’s rights hereunder in
respec t of any continuing or subsequent default, breac h or non-observanc e, or so as
to defeat or affect in any way the rights of the City in respect of any such continuing
or subsequent default or breach, and no waiver shall be inferred from or implied by
anything done or omitted by the Club save only an express waiver in writing.
Article VIII Miscellaneous
Quiet Enjoyment
39. The City shall permit the Club to peaceably use and enjoy the Premises during the
Ter m without any interferenc e fr om the City , or any person lawfully claiming by , fr om
or under the City provided the Club is not in default.
Right of Entry
40. The Club agrees to permit the City and authorized representativ es of the City to enter
the Premises as the City deems necessary, including for the purpose of inspecting
and maintaining the premises.. The City shall use its best efforts to minimize the
disruption to the Club's use of the Premises during any such entry.
Signs
41. The Club m ay only erec t signs on the Premises with the City ’s prior approval. All
such signs shall be removed from the Premises at the end of the Term.
Compliance with Law s
42. The Club, at its sole cost and expense, shall comply with all legal requirements
(including statutes, laws, by -laws, regulations, ordinances, orders, rules and
regulations of every governmental authority having jurisdiction) that relate to the use
of the Premises by the Club or the making of any improvements to the Premises by
the Club.
Notice
43. Any notic e required to be giv en by the City to the Club under this Agreement shall be
in writing and shall be delivered to or such other address of which the Club has
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7
notified the City in writing, and any such notice delivered shall be deemed good and
sufficient notice under the terms of this Lease.
Contact: Henrik Villumsen, President
Email: Villumsen_henrik@yahoo.dk
44. Any notice required to be given by the Club to the City under this Agreement shall be
in writing and shall be delivered to The Corporation of the City of Pickering, Pickering
Civ ic Complex , O ne The Esplanade, Pickering, Ontario (Attention: City Clerk) or such
other address of which the City has notified the Club in writing, and any such notice
delivered shall be deemed good and sufficient notice under the terms of this
Agreement.
CHDRC Indoor Court U se
45. Should the Club require the use of the indoor tennis court(s) at the Chestnut Hill
Developments Recreation Complex for league play, tryouts and/or weather - related
reasons and the use c an be accommodated; the Club w ill be charged for their usage
as per the current approved fees & charges.
Schedules
46. Schedule “A”, attac hed hereto for m part of this Agreement.
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8
In Witness Whereof the parties hav e executed this Licence Agreement.
T he Corporation of the City of
Pickering
Kevin Ashe, May or
Susan Cassel, City Cler k
Amberlea Tennis Club
Henrik Villumsen, President
(I have authority to bind the corporation)
Sue Peschke, Vice-President/ Secretary
- 156 -
6FKHGXOH$
- 157 -
Report to
Executive Committee
Report Number: CS 24-25
Date: September 2, 2025
From: Laura Gibbs
Director, Community Services
Subject: Community Association Licence Agreement
Pickering Pickleball Club
File: A-1440-001
Recommendation:
1. That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the Licence Agreement with
Pickering Pickleball Club submitted as Attachment 1 of this report, subject to minor
revisions as may be required by the Director, Community Services and the Director,
Corporate Services & City Solicitor; and,
2. That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the necessary
action as indicated in this report.
Executive Summary: The purpose of this report is to enter into a new Licence Agreement
with the Pickering Pickleball Club Inc. (PPC) for the use of six new pickleball courts located at
Diana, Princess of Wales Park.
As set out in the attached Licence Agreement, City will grant PPC a non-exclusive seasonal
licence permitting the Club to access and use the pickleball courts for the purpose of operating
its non-profit pickleball club. Access to the six new pickleball courts at Diana, Princess of
Wales Park will be shared between the PPC and the general public . The schedule will be
determined by the City and will be subject to annual review, with the exact days and hours
determined and posted by April 1st each year. The courts will be open for use from May 1 to
October 31 each year (weather permitting). As the courts are unlit, start and end times may
vary throughout the season.
Relationship to the Pickering Strategic Plan: The recommendations in this report respond
to the Pickering Strategic Plan Priority of Advocate for an Inclusive, Welcoming, Safe &
Healthy Community.
Financial Implications: The City of Pickering is responsible to fund the general operating
costs including garbage removal, bleachers, benches, fencing, any building associated with use
of the courts, and the court surface life cycle replacement. Costs are reflected annually within
the City Infrastructure Department’s Budget. The Club is responsible to maintain and operate
the premises for their PPC activities.
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CS 24-25 September 2, 2025
Page 2
Discussion: The purpose of this report is to enter into a new Licence Agreement with PPC for
the use of outdoor pickleball courts at Diana, Princess of Wales Park.
Through Resolution #774/25, Council approved the tender award for the construction of six
outdoor pickleball courts at the Diana, Princess of Wales Park . Construction is currently
underway and is expected to be complete, weather permitting, mid to late September 2025.
1. The Pickering Pickleball Club is an active and growing club serving Pickering
residents
The PPC is an incorporated, not for profit, volunteer run club. PPC membership includes a
wide variety of lessons, house league, inter -club play and social events as well as affiliation
with Pickleball Ontario and Pickleball Canada. In addition, the Club v olunteers have dedicated
significant time to assisting in the operation of a very successful City drop-in pickleball program
(3 days per week ) at Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex.
PPC is the largest and fastest growing pickleball club in Pickering. The PPC has an estimated
500 members and the PPC’s activities and programs directly serve Pickering residents. The
Recreation & Parks Ten Year Plan recommended that the primary focus of pickleball court
provision should be on dedicated courts within community park sites to accommodate
organized play. Diana, Princess of Wales Park was recommended for new outdoor pickleball
courts.
PPC has requested non-exclusive seasonal use of the six new pickleball courts at Diana,
Princess of Wales Park for the purpose of operating Club outdoor pickleball activities. Based
on this, staff recommend that the courts at Diana, Princess of Wales Park be licensed to the
PPC to provide pickleball instruction, league play, members drop-in play.
2. Conditions of the Licence Agreement reflect shared Club and Public use
Access to the six new pickleball courts at Diana, Princess of Wales Park will be shared
between the PPC and the general public . The schedule of court time allocations shall be
determined by the City and will be subject to annual review, with the exact days and hours
determined and posted by signage and on the City’s website by April 1 each year. The courts
will be open for use from May 1 to October 31 each year (weather permitting).
Public engagement for the construction of pickleball courts at Diana, Princess of Wales Park
indicated strong approval for the project. Respondents included PPC members as well as non-
members. Shared Club and free Public use will ensure fair use of a City facility, regardless of
skill level, age or income.
The Licence Agreement is recommended to commence on October 1, 2025 and end on
December 31, 2028. This term aligns with the Licence Agreements of six Tennis Clubs that
operate courts throughout Pickering. The harmonization of terms will allow staff to conduct a
review of court usage as recommended in the Recreation & Parks Ten Year Plan before the
terms end in 2028.
- 159 -
CS 24-25 September 2, 2025
Page 3
3.Pickleball Courts at Diana, Princess of Wales Park
New pickleball courts at Diana, Princess of Wales will be the first courts dedicated strictly for
pickleball play in Pickering and the construction of the six new courts meets a key milestone
toward the target of 19 mostly dedicated pickleball courts to be constructed across the City by
2034. The courts will be open for play, weather permitting from May 1 to October 31 during
daylight hours starting at 8:00 am until dusk as the courts are unlit.
An acoustic study has been conducted to determine likely noise levels and inform design of the
courts to reduce noise where possible. Results of the acoustic study suggested that the
confirmed site location with existing setbacks from residential properties and the proximity to
Pickering Parkway and Highway 401 will assist in masking the noise.
Parking will be located in the lot adjacent to the courts, as well as the large gravel parking lot at
Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex.
Staff recommends that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the Licence
Agreement between the City and PPC, as set out in Attachment 1.
Attachment:
1.Pickering Pickleball Club Licence Agreement
Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By:
Original Signed By Original Signed By
Karen Coleman, BA Laura Gibbs, MBA, MSc.
Manager, Recreation Services Director, Community Services
LG :kc
Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering City Council
Original Signed By
Marisa Carpino, M.A.
Chief Administrative Officer
- 160 -
Licence Agreement
This Licence Agreement is made as of the 1st day of October 2025
Between:
The Corporation of the City of Pickering (the "City")
-and -
Pickering Pickleball Club Inc (the "Club")
Article I Interpretation
Recitals:
1.The Club has requested to use the six pickleball courts within Diana, Princess of
Wales Park as shown on Schedule "A" attached hereto, located at 1550P Pickering
Parkway , in the City of Pickering, Region of Durham and these courts shall
hereinafter be referred to as the "licenced premises".
2.The Club has agreed to use the licenced premises on a non-exclusive seasonal basis
for the purpose of operating their non-profit pickleball club.
3.The City has agreed to grant to the Club a non-exclusive seasonal licence subject
to the terms and conditions contained in this agreement, permitting the Club to
access and use the licenced premises for the purpose of operating its non-
profit pickleball club. Therefore in this agreement the "City" is the Licensor and
the "Club" will be the Licensee.
Definitions
4.In this Agreement,
a)"Commencement Date" means October 1, 2025;
b)"Licenced Premises" means the pickleball courts and storage container
within Diana, Princess of Wales Park therein as shown on Schedule "A"
attached hereto, located at1550P Pickering Parkway , in the City of
Pickering, Regional Municipality of Durham;
c)"Licence Fee" means the fee payable pursuant to Section 22; and,
d)"Term" means the term of this Licence Agreement as set out in Section 18.
Headings
5.The division of this Agreement into articles, sections, subsections and schedules
and the insertion of headings are for convenience of reference only and shall not
affect the construction or interpretation of this Agreement.
Attachment 1 to Report CS 24-25
- 161 -
2
Severability
6. All of the provisions of this Agreement are to be construed as covenants even
where not expressed as such. If any such provision is held to be or rendered
invalid, unenforceable or illegal, then it shall be considered separate and
severable from this Agreement and the remaining provisions of this
Agreement shall remain in force.
Governing Law
7. This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted and enforced in
accordance with the laws in force in the Province of Ontario.
Entire Agreement
8. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties
concerning the Premises and may only be amended or supplemented by an
agreement in writing signed by both parties.
Article II Grant and Use
Grant of Licence
9. (a) In consideration of the performance by the Club of its obligations
under this Agreement, the City grants permission to the Club to use
the licenced premises during the Term on a non-exclusive seasonal
basis for the purpose of operating their non-profit Pickleball Club.
The Club acknowledges its licence and right to use the licenced
premises is non-exclusive.
(b) The Club acknowledges that this agreement does not create an
interest in the licenced premises nor does the Club claim any past or
present interest, howsoever arising, as a result of or connected in any
way with the use of the licenced premises.
(c) The licence granted herein is only for the duration of this agreement and
only for the purposes and uses stated herein. No other purposes or use
shall be permitted without prior written approval from the Director of
Community Services.
Club Use of Premises
The Premises shall be used only for Pickering Pickleball Club's non-profit pickleball
club, at its expense and for no other purpose without the prior written consent of the
City which consent may be withheld by the City in its sole discretion.
Nuisance
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3
10. The Club shall not carry on any activities or do or suffer any act or thing
that constitutes a nuisance or which, directly or indirectly, is offensive or
an annoyance to the City or other users of Diana, Princess of Wales Park.
City Use of Premises
11. It is acknowledged that if the City determines that the Club for whatever reason is
not actively using the Licenced Premises, then this agreement shall be considered
to be terminated and the City shall provide a Notice of Termination and shall then
be free to use the Licenced Premises for its own purposes. The Club shall not be
entitled to receive any rental fees, or any other type of remuneration associated
with the use of the Licenced Premises by the City or any other party.
Assignment
12. The Club shall not assign this Licence without the prior written consent of the City.
Licences
13. The Club may not grant a licence or permission to any other party to use the
Licenced Premises.
14. The Club shall submit their annual financial statement to the City by December 1st
of each year.
15. The Club shall submit a list of the Club Board of Directors and their contact
information to the City by December 1st of each year.
Article Ill Term
Term
16. The term of this Licence shall be 3 years and 3 months from the Commencement
Date to December 31, 2028.
17. The City may terminate this Licence at any time for any reason provided it has
given the Club six (6) months prior notice in writing. If urgent circumstances or
unforeseen events require the City to terminate this licence the City may do so
on providing 30 days’ notice to the Club.
18. The Club may terminate this Licence at any time for any reason provided it has
given the City six (6) months prior notice in writing.
Following Expiration
19. If the Club continues to use the Premises after the expiry of the licence, there
shall be no tacit renewal of this Agreement or the Term, notwithstanding
statutory provisions or any legal presumption to the contrary, and the Club shall
be deemed to be trespassing.
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4
Article IV Licence Fee
Licence Fee
20. The Club shall pay to the City as a licence fee for the entire Term in lawful
money of Canada the sum of Ten Dollar s ($10.00)
Article V
Maintenance, Repairs and Alterations of the Licenced Premises
21. The Club shall maintain and operate the Premises so that they shall always
be of good appearance, tidy, clean, safe and suitable for the proper
operation of the Premises.
22. The Club shall provide general maintenance services to the Premises at its
expense and shall provide all necessary cleaning and maintenance supplies
and cleaning equipment related to the Licenced premises.
23. The City or its designate shall be responsible for all day -to-day operating
expenses including garbage removal, bleachers, benches, fencing, any building
associated with use of the courts, and the court surface life cycle replacement.
24. The Club shall be responsible for any damages or costs incurred due to the
misuse or negligence of the Club, its employees, invitees, members, servants,
agents, or others under its control and the Club shall pay to the City on demand
the expense of any repairs including the City's reasonable administration
charge necessitated by such negligence or misuse.
25. The Club shall immediately notify the City of any unsafe conditions on the Premises.
Alterations/Improvements to Premises
26. The Club shall only be permitted to make alterations and improvements to the
Premises that have been approved by the City.
Article VI Insurance and Indemnity
Club's Insurance
27. The Club, at its sole cost and expense, shall take out and maintain,
a) insurance upon property owned by it which is located on the Premises; and,
b) commercial general liability insurance pertaining to the Club's liability to
others in respect of injury, death or damage to property occurring
upon, in or about the Licenced Premises. Such insurance to be of an
amount which is reasonable and sufficient having regard to the scope
of the risk and the current practice of prudent owners or licensees of
similar premises for the carrying on of similar businesses, activities or
- 164 -
5
purposes but in any event in an amount not less than two million dollars
($2,000,000.00) for claims arising out of one occurrence. Such policy
shall also name the City as an additional named insured and may not
be cancelled unless prior notice by registered letter has been given to
the City by the insurer 30 days in advance of the expiry date.
28. Prior to the Commencement Date, the Club shall file with the City a
Certificate of Insurance in a form satisfactory to the City Treasurer, verifying
that the commercial general liability insurance policy is in effect and setting
out the essential terms and conditions of the insurance.
29. The provision of the insurance policy required by this section shall not
relieve the Club from liability for claims not covered by the policy or which
exceed its limits, if any, for which the Club may be held responsible.
Insurance Risks
30. The Club shall not do, omit to do, or permit to be done or omitted to be done
upon the Licenced Premises anything that may contravene or be prohibited
by any of the City's insurance policies in force from time to time covering or
relevant to any part of the Premises or which would prevent the City from
procuring its policies with companies acceptable to the City. Damage caused
to the courts, resulting in the increase of premiums shall be the sole
responsibility of the Club and payable to the City.
Indemnification
31. Each of the City and the Club shall indemnify and save harmless the other
from and against any and all actions, losses, damages, claims, costs and
expenses (including solicitors' fees on a solicitor and client basis) to which
the party being indemnified shall or may become liable by reason of any
breach, violation or non-performance by the party so indemnifying of any
covenant, term or provision of this Licence agreement or by reason of any
damage, injury or death occasioned to or suffered by any person or persons
including the City or the Club, as the case may be, or any property , by
reason of any wrongful act, neglect or default on the part of the party so
indemnifying or any of those persons for whom it is in law responsible. For
greater certainty, the limitation of liability set out above in this section does
not extend to claims, losses or damages resulting in whole or in part from the
negligence or willful misconduct of the party claiming indemnification, its
employees or those for whom it is in law responsible.
Article VII Remedies on Default
City's Right to Remedy Default
32. In addition to all other remedies the City may have under this Agreement and
- 165 -
6
in law, if the Club is in default of any of its obligations under this Agreement,
and such default has continued for a period of ten (10) days after receipt of
notice by the Club (or such longer period as may be reasonably required in
the circumstances to cure such default, except in an emergency where the
City will not be required to give notice), the City, without prejudice to any
other rights which it may have with respect to such default, may remedy such
default and the Club shall be responsible for all such costs. In addition, if the
Licensee fails to remedy any default or breach within 10 days of being notified
of the default or breach the Licensor may then immediately terminate this
agreement.
Waiver
33. No condoning, excusing or overlooking by the City of any default, breach or
non-observance by the Club at any time or times in respect of any covenant,
obligation under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of the City's rights
hereunder in respect of any continuing or subsequent default, breach or non-
observance, or so as to defeat or affect in any way the rights of the City in
respect of any such continuing or subsequent default or breach, and no
waiver shall be inferred from or implied by anything done or omitted by the
Club save only an express waiver in writing.
Article VIII Miscellaneous
Quiet Enjoyment
34. The City shall permit the Club to peaceably use and enjoy the Premises
during the Term without any interference from the City, or any person lawfully
claiming by, from or under the City provided the Club is not in default and
only to the extent and limits of the rights conveyed by this licence.
Right of Entry
35. The Club agrees to permit the City and authorized representatives of the City
to enter the Licenced Premises as the City deems necessary, including for
the purpose of inspecting and maintaining the premises. The City shall use
its best efforts to minimize the disruption to the Club's use of the Premises
during any such entry.
Signs
36. The Club may only erect signs on the Premises with the City's prior
approval. All such signs shall be removed from the Premises at the end
of the Term.
Compliance with Laws
37. The Club, at its sole cost and expense, shall comply with all legal
- 166 -
7
requirements (including statutes, laws, by -laws, regulations, ordinances,
orders, rules and regulations of every governmental authority having
jurisdiction) that relate to the use of the Premises by the Club or the making
of any improvements to the Premises by the Club.
Notice
38. Any notice required to be given by the City to the Club under this Agreement
shall be in writing and shall be delivered to or such other address of which
the Club has notified the City in writing, and any such notice delivered shall
be deemed good and sufficient notice under the terms of this Agreement.
Contact:
Email:
Mike Garvey, President
mikegarvey24@gmail.com
39. Any notice required to be given by the Club to the City under this Agreement
shall be in writing and shall be delivered to The Corporation of the City of
Pickering, Pickering Civic Complex, One The Esplanade, Pickering, Ontario
(Attention: City Clerk) or such other address of which the City has notified the
Club in writing, and any such notice delivered shall be deemed good and
sufficient notice under the terms of this Agreement.
Schedule of Use
40. It is acknowledged and agreed that the Club and the City will share use of the
six courts located at Diana, Princess of Wales Park . The schedule shall be
determined by the City and will be subject to annual review, with the exact days
and hours determined and posted by April 1st each year. The courts will be
open for use from May 1 to October 31 each year (weather permitting). As the
courts are unlit, start and end times may vary throughout the season Any
alteration of the days and hours during the season shall be determined and
approved by the Director of Community Services.
CHDRC Indoor Court Use
41. Should the Club require the use of the indoor pickleball court(s) at the
Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex for league play, tryouts
and/or weather - related reasons and the use can be accommodated; the
Club will be charged for their usage as per the current approved fees &
charges.
Schedules
42. Schedules "A" and "B" attached hereto form part of this Agreement.
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8
In Witness Whereof the parties have executed this Licence Agreement.
The Corporation of the City of Pickering
Kevin Ashe, Mayor
Susan Cassel, City Clerk
________________________________
Mike Garvey , President
(I have the authority to bind the Corporation)
Pickering Pickleball Club Inc
- 168 -
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......................
FINCH R
O
A
D
KIN
G
S
T
O
N
R
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D
V
A
L
L
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Y
F
A
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M
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D
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K
R
O
A
D
KIN
G
S
T
O
N
R
O
A
D
PICK
E
R
I
N
G
P
A
R
K
W
A
Y
HIGH
W
A
Y
4
0
1
PICKERIN
G
P
A
R
K
W
A
Y
PICKER
I
N
G
P
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W
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Y
HIGH
W
A
Y
4
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1
1500
O
/
C
7318
Schedule "A"
Drawings and specifications, as instruments of service, are the property of the City of Pickering, the copyright in
the same being reserved to them. no reproduction may be made without the permission of the City of Pickering.
The contractor is to verify dimensions and data noted herein with conditions on the site and is held responsible
for reporting discrepancies to the City of Pickering for adjustment. no variation or modifications to work shown
shall be implemented without prior written approval from the City of Pickering.
Do not scale drawings.
KEY PLAN
SITE AREA
HYDRO ONE
TRANSMISSION
CORRIDOR
EXISTING
TRANSMISSION TOWER
- C
EXISTING
TRANSMISSION TOWER
- D
HYDRO CORRIDOR BOUNDARY
ENLARGEMENT AREA
TREE TO BE PRESERVED
EXISTING
TRANSMISSION TOWER
- B
15m MAINTENANCE EXCLUSION ZONE
10m MAINTENANCE EXCLUSION ZONE
OVERHEAD TRANSMISSION LINE
EXISTING TRANSMISSION TOWER
NETS & POSTS
1.2m HEIGHT WOOD DIVIDER FENCE
GROUNDING LOCATION
COURT GATE
3m HEIGHT WHITE VINYL CHAIN LINK FENCE
ASPHALT PAVING - LIGHT DUTY
ACRYLIC COURT SURFACING - TYPE B
ACRYLIC COURT SURFACING - TYPE A
PROPOSED PICKLEBALL COURTS
6 COURTS
PROPOSED ASPHALT WALKWAY
EXISTING BEATEN PATH
TO REMAIN INFILTRATION TRENCH & DRAINAGE
SEE SHEET L-04
EXISTING GRAVEL DRIVEWAY
EXISTING GRAVEL
PARKING LOT
EXISTING MUNICIPAL SIDEWALK
HYDRO ONE TRANSMISSION CORRIDOR BOUNDARY
LEGEND
REVISIONS / ISSUED FOR
7.SITE MAP FOR AGREEMENT 25/08/13 JD
6 RE-SCALED 25/07/25 JD
5 ISSUED FOR TENDER 25/04/14 JD
4 ISSUED FOR 4TH HYDRO ONE PERMIT SUBMISSION 25/03/31 JD
3 ISSUED FOR 3RD HYDRO ONE PERMIT SUBMISSION 25/01/29 JD
2 ISSUED FOR 2ND HYDRO ONE PERMIT SUBMISSION 24/06/14 JD
1 ISSUED FOR HYDRO ONE PERMIT SUBMISSION 24/01/17 JD
No. Description Date By
1500 O/C
1.
5
%
ENGINEERING SERVICES
RICHARD HOLBORN, P. ENG.
DIRECTOR, ENGINEERING SERVICES
1550P Pickering Parkway,
Pickering, Ontario, L1V 3V9
SCALE 1:300 PROJECT NO.
DRAWN JD P-030
CHECKED AM DRAWING NO.
DIANA PRINCESS OF
WALES PARK
DIANA - PICKLEBALL COURTS
DATE 2023-10-20
CONTRACT NO. T2025-8 L-01
- 169 -
Schedule “B”
Anticipated Schedule of Use for Diana, Princess of Wales Pickleball Courts
Pickering Pickleball Club Inc may be permitted to use the six pickleball courts during the
following times:
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:00
pm or Dusk *
Fridays and Saturdays from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Sundays from 4:00 pm to 9:00pm or Dusk *
- 170 -
Report to
Executive Committee
Report Number: ENG 17-25
Date: September 2, 2025
From: Richard Holborn
Director, Engineering Services
Subject: Frenchman’s Bay Watersheds Stormwater Management Master Plan Update
Request for Proposal No. RFP2025-11
File: A-1440
Recommendation:
1. That the proposal submitted by Aquafor Beech Limited, in response to Request for
Proposal No. RFP2025-11 for the Frenchman’s Bay Watersheds Stormwater
Management Master Plan Update, in the amount of $481,782.72 (net HST) or
$534,998.50 (HST included) be accepted;
2. That the total gross project cost of $616,748.00 (HST included), including the fee amount
and other associated costs, and the total net project cost of $555,401.00 (net HST) be
approved;
3. That Council authorize the Director, Finance & Treasurer to finance the total net project
cost of $555,401.00 as follows:
a) The sum of $499,861.00 to be funded by a transfer from the from Development
Charges – Stormwater Management Reserve Fund as approved in the 2025 Current
Budget;
b) The sum of $55,540.00 to be funded from Property Taxes;
4. That the Director, Engineering Services be authorized to enter into and execute the Form of
Agreement with Aquafor Beech Limited pursuant to Request for Proposal No. RFP2025-11;
and,
5. That the appropriate City of Pickering officials be authorized to take the actions necessary to
implement the recommendations in this report.
Executive Summary: The purpose of this report is to obtain approval to award Request
for Proposal No. RFP2025-11 to Aquafor Beech Limited to undertake the Frenchman’s Bay
Watersheds Stormwater Management Master Plan Update.
In 2009 the City completed the Frenchman's Bay Watersheds Stormwater Management
Master Plan (FBWSWM) following the Master Planning Process Approach #1. Several
recommended solutions have been implemented since the completion of Master Plan mainly
addressing erosion and water quality issues within the watershed. A comprehensive update of
the 2009 FBWSWM is required to review and revise the Master Plan to address future growth
- 171 -
ENG 17-25 September 2, 2025
Page 2
and climate change challenges, while supporting the City’s objectives related to environmental
protection, infrastructure resiliency, and community safety .
Request for Proposal No. RFP2025-11 was posted on the City’s bids&tenders portal on May 1,
2025, and closed on June 9, 2025. The Evaluation Committee, consisting of staff from the
Engineering Services Department, reviewed and evaluated the two proposals received using
criteria outlined in the bid document. The highest scoring proposal, submitted by Aquafor
Beech Limited, in the amount of $481,782.72 (net HST) or $534,998.50 (HST included) is
recommended for approval. It is also recommended that the total gross project cost of
$616,748.00 (HST included) which includes the fee amount and other associated costs, and
the total net project cost of $555,401.00 (net HST) be approved.
Relationship to the Pickering Strategic Plan: The recommendations in this report respond
to the Pickering Strategic Plan Priority of Lead & Advocate for Environmental Stewardship,
Innovation & Resiliency .
Financial Implications:
1. Proposal Amount
Aquafor Beech Limited
Fee Proposal $473,450.00
HST (13%) 61,548.50
Total Gross Proposal Amount $534,998.50
2. Estimated Project Cost Summary
Aquafor Beech Limited Fee Proposal $473,450.00
Associated Costs
TRCA Fees and Miscellaneous costs 25,000.00
Contingency (10%) 47,345.00
Sub Total – Costs $545,795.00
HST (13%) 70,953.00
Total Gross Project Cost $616,748.00
HST Rebate (11.24%) (61,347.00)
Total Net Project Costs $555,401.00
- 172 -
ENG 17-25 September 2, 2025
Page 3
3. Approved Source of Funds – 2025 Current Budget
Account Source of Funds Budget Required
10510.502230.0000 DC Stormwater Management
Reserve Fund
Property Taxes
Total
$540,000.00
60,000.00
$600,000.00
$499,861.00
55,540.00
$555,401.00
Net Project Cost under (over) Approved Funds $44,599.00
As part of the 2025 Water Resources & Development Services Current Budget the
Frenchman’s Bay Watersheds Stormwater Management Master Plan Update project was
approved with a total budget amount of $600,000.00 (net HST).
Discussion: The purpose of this report is to obtain approval to award Request for Proposal
No. RFP2025-11 to Aquafor Beech Limited to undertake the Frenchman’s Bay Watersheds
Stormwater Management Master Plan Update.
In 2009 the City completed the FBWSWM Master Plan following the Master Planning Process
Approach #1 in the Municipal Engineers Association's Municipal Class Environmental
Assessment document (October 2000, as amended in 2007). The FBWSWM Master Plan
dated April 2009 prepared by MMM Group was endorsed by Resolution #72/10 on April 19,
2010 through the approval of Report OES 04-10. The endorsement of the Master Plan was a
commitment in principle to implementing watershed wide stormwater management controls
through a recommended suite of projects, programs and policies designed to address issues
related to flooding, erosion and poor water quality in Frenchman’s Bay and its contributing
watersheds. The Master Plan identified $53.8 million (in 2009 dollars) of projects, programs
and monitoring spanning a period of 25 years. Several recommended solutions have been
implemented since the completion of Master Plan mainly addressing erosion and water quality
issues within the watershed.
The purpose of this study is to prepare a comprehensive update of the 2009 FBWSWM Master
Plan. The FBWSWM Master Plan Update will evaluate the efficiency of the current stormwater
management system and develop a preferred stormwater management strategy
(Recommended Approach) considering future growth and climate change challenges. The
FBWSWM Master Plan Update will recommend remedial measures towards achieving healthy
watersheds and will identify and prioritize implementation works. The objectives of the Up date
should consider flood and erosion control, groundwater and surface water quality
management, water balance/infiltration, natural heritage environment management and
infrastructure, all in an integrated manner.
The FBWSWM Master Plan Update will follow the Master Planning Approach 2 in accordance
with the Environmental Assessment Act as per the Municipal Engineers Association Municipal
Class Environmental Assessment document, October 2000, as amended in 2007, 2011, 2015
and 2023. The Update shall satisfy the requirements of Schedule B projects, which can then
- 173 -
ENG 17-25 September 2, 2025
Page 4
proceed directly to detailed design and implementation (as required) and will identify any
Schedule C projects for future studies.
Request for Proposal No. RFP 2025-11 was posted on the City’s bids&tenders portal on May
1, 2025, and closed on June 9, 2025. The Evaluation Committee, consisting of staff from the
Engineering Services Department, reviewed and evaluated the two proposals received using
criteria outlined in the bid document. The highest scoring proposal, submitted by Aquafor
Beech Limited, in the amount of $481,782.72 (net HST) or $534,998.50 (HST included) is
recommended for approval. The total gross project cost, which includes the fee amount, a
contingency, and other associated costs is estimated at $616,748.00 (HST included) and the
total net project cost is estimated at $555,401.00 (net HST).
Staff recommend acceptance of the proposal submitted by Aquafor Beech Limited for the
FBWSWM Master Plan Update in the amount of $481,782.72 (net HST) or $534,998.50 (HST
included) and that the net project cost of $555,401.00 (net HST) be approved.
Attachment:
1. Location Map
Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By:
Original Signed By: Original Signed By:
Irina Marouchko, P.Eng. Richard Holborn, P.Eng.
Manager, Water Resources Director, Engineering Services
Original Signed By: Original Signed By:
Cathy Bazinet, CPPB, NIGP-CPP Stan Karwowski, MBA, CPA, CMA
Manager, Procurement Director, Finance & Treasurer
IM :mjh
Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering City Council
Original Signed By:
Marisa Carpino, M.A.
Chief Administrative Officer
- 174 -
Attachment 1 to Report ENG 17-25
- 175 -
Report to
Executive Committee
Report Number: FIN 13-25
Date: September 2, 2025
From: Stan Karwowski
Director, Finance & Treasurer
Subject: Investment Portfolio Activity for the Year Ended December 31, 2024
Ontario Regulation 438/97 under the Municipal Act, 2001
- File: F-3700-001
Recommendation:
1. That Report FIN 13-25 regarding Investment Portfolio Activity for the Year Ended
December 31, 2024 be received for information.
Executive Summary: The purpose of this report is to share a summary of the investment
activity and year-end balance in the portfolio for 2024. Investment activity for the year totaled
approximately $299.7 million with a year-end balance in the portfolio of approximately $204.2
million. Current Fund investments are limited to one year or less and Reserve Funds to 10
years or less under the Town of Pickering Revised Investment Policy (TR 10/98). The last few
years have seen the value of the portfolio consistently rise which is primarily a result of the
ongoing development in Pickering which provides the collection of development charges.
Overall, returns on the City’s portfolio compare favourably to market benchmarks.
Relationship to the Pickering Strategic Plan: The recommendations in this report
respond to the Pickering Strategic Plan Corporate Key: Good Governance /Customer Service
Excellence.
Financial Implications: Total investment income, including bank account interest for 2024,
was $9.65 million (2023 - $8.29 million) of which $7.09 million (2023 - $6.51 million) was for
Current (Operating) Funds. The balance of the income was allocated to the various reserve
funds.
Discussion: The purpose of this report is to share a summary of the investment activity
and year-end balance in the portfolio for 2024. The City’s investment portfolio is comprised of
two main components:
(i) Reserve Funds; and
(ii) balances available in the Current Fund, when not required to meet current operating
expenditures. This latter balance can vary greatly depending upon many factors
including the timing of the receipt of property taxes and levy payments to the School
Boards and the Region.
- 176 -
FIN 13-25 September 2, 2025
Page 2
Investments are undertaken as one consolidated pool of funds and interest earned is credited
back to the appropriate funds.
The Treasurer of the City of Pickering is required under Provincial Regulation 438/97 to report
certain information and opinions to Council. The schedules to this report are included as part of
that Regulation’s information requirements. The portfolio balance at December 31, 2024 of
$204.2 million (2023 - $195.7) has increased over the prior year. This is primarily a result of an
increase in development charge collections over prior year from the ongoing building activity in
the City, particularly in the Seaton area.
The return on the portfolio, maintained with Nesbitt Burns, increased in 2024 with a weighted
yearly rate of return of 4.99 percent (2023 – 4.59%) on the combined short-term and long-term
investments. This was a result of the interest rates being elevated in 2023 and remaining
elevated through January to August 2024. In 2024, the GIC’s with interest rates below 2.00
percent matured and were replaced with GIC’s averaging rates at 4.61 percent. The average
rate of the investment portfolio for both the short-term and long-term investments is 4.80
percent.
The City’s holdings of investments in the portfolio continue to be mainly guaranteed investment
certificates (GIC) to take advantage of higher yields. Since GICs don’t provide the same
liquidity, the City also changed the timing of maturities to a ladder approach with both the short
term and long term paper, to allow for maturities every month. As a result the City was able to
lock in to GICs to obtain higher yields but also ensuring sufficient cash flows to meet the City’s
financial needs. For 2025, the decreases in the Canada bank rate from June to December
2024 will have an impact on the portfolios 2025 performance.
The net performance on TD Wealth’s portion of the portfolio for 2024 was 5.39 percent (2023 –
4.44%). Again with the interest rates being elevated in 2023 and remaining elevated through
January to August 2024 resulted in a higher level of return in 2024.
Investment parameters are narrow due to the Municipal Act and Regulations limiting the
selection of qualified investments for municipal entities. Furthermore, staff’s approach tends to
be conservative, given that they are investing public money. Notwithstanding these restrictions,
the annual returns from both Nesbitt Burns and TD Wealth either outperformed or were in line
with the annual returns for the CIBC Canadian T-Bill Premium Class Fund (4.40%) and the
Morningstar Canadian Money Market Mutual Fund Index (4.16%). These indices were deemed
to be the most appropriate benchmarks for reviewing the portfolio’s performance given the
guidelines that govern municipal investments.
The average return on interfund investments (internal loans) was 3.71 percent (2023 – 2.29%).
At year-end 2024, the total portfolio of approximately $204.2 million, consisted of
approximately $99.4 million or 49.0 percent in external long-term investments and
approximately $1.4 million or 0.69 percent in Interfund Investments (Internal Loans). The
balance of approximately $103.4 million is short-term investments due within the year.
- 177 -
FIN 13-25 September 2, 2025
Page 3
All investments were made in accordance with the Investment Policy approved by Council on
March 4, 1998 (Resolution #56/98).
Attachments:
1.Investment Activities for 2024
2.Outstanding Investments as at December 31, 2024
3.Investment Account Overview - Correspondence from BMO Nesbitt Burns
4. Performance Report - Correspondence from TD Wealth
Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By:
Susan Marsh Stan Karwowski
Manager, Accounting Services Director, Finance & Treasurer
Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering City Council
Marisa Carpino, M.A.
Chief Administrative Officer
Original Signed By:Original Signed By:
Original Signed By:
- 178 -
CITY OF PICKERING INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES FOR 2024
Financial
Institution Instrument Cost Principal Yield Term
Purchase
Date
Maturity
Date
Short Term
Nesbitt Burns Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal Trust Company GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal Mortgage Corp GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal Trust Company GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal Trust Company GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal Mortgage Corp GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal Trust Company GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal Trust Company GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal MRTG CORP GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal TRUST CO GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal GIC
Bank of Montreal TRUST CO GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal MRTG CORP GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal TRUST CO GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal MRTG CORP GIC Annual
TD Wealth
Toronto Dominion Bank GIC
Toronto Dominion Bank
ISA-TDB@4.55% PA/NL
ISA-TDB@4.55% PA/NL
ISA-TDB@4.55% PA/NL
Toronto Dominion Bank GIC
Toronto Dominion Bank GIC
Total Short-term
5,000,000
9,270,000
8,384,000
8,824,000
5,307,587
10,000,000
10,000,000
10,000,000
8,000,000
3,176,000
4,116,415
1,999,521
7,239,713
5,418,000
9,323,067
9,327,850
8,862,726
8,900,000
5,613,304
10,700,000
10,700,000
10,700,000
3,858,000
6,677,000
7,638,620
2,581,700
2,244,852
388,872
279,125
23,000
3,403,239.00
2,320,924.00
5,000,000
9,270,000
8,384,000
8,824,000
5,307,587
10,000,000
10,000,000
10,000,000
8,000,000
3,176,000
4,116,415
1,999,521
7,239,713
5,418,000
9,323,067
9,327,850
8,862,726
8,900,000
5,613,304
10,700,000
10,700,000
10,700,000
3,858,000
6,677,000
7,638,620
2,581,700
2,286,000
388,872
279,125
23,000
3,403,239.00
2,320,924.00
5.360%
5.710%
5.710%
5.710%
5.760%
5.860%
5.860%
5.860%
5.910%
5.910%
5.810%
5.810%
5.510%
5.260%
5.160%
5.160%
5.160%
4.210%
5.060%
4.220%
4.220%
4.220%
4.080%
3.770%
3.420%
4.950%
2.850%
4.550%
4.550%
4.550%
5.150%
5.050%
365
367
366
366
366
369
369
368
367
369
366
366
366
366
367
367
367
272
365
365
365
365
365
365
365
365
373
64
57
56
366
367
11-Jan-23
23-Jun-23
26-Jun-23
27-Jun-23
19-Jul-23
28-Sep-23
28-Sep-23
29-Sep-23
06-Oct-23
12-Oct-23
28-Nov-23
28-Nov-23
18-Dec-23
16-Jan-24
28-Jun-24
28-Jun-24
28-Jun-24
08-Oct-24
22-Jul-24
02-Oct-24
02-Oct-24
02-Oct-24
15-Oct-24
04-Dec-24
18-Dec-24
30-Jan-23
01-Mar-23
28-Nov-23
05-Dec-23
06-Dec-23
30-Jan-24
08-Mar-24
11-Jan-24
24-Jun-24
26-Jun-24
27-Jun-24
19-Jul-24
01-Oct-24
01-Oct-24
01-Oct-24
07-Oct-24
15-Oct-24
28-Nov-24
28-Nov-24
18-Dec-24
16-Jan-25
30-Jun-25
30-Jun-25
30-Jun-25
07-Jul-25
22-Jul-25
02-Oct-25
02-Oct-25
02-Oct-25
15-Oct-25
04-Dec-25
18-Dec-25
30-Jan-24
08-Mar-24
31-Jan-24
31-Jan-24
31-Jan-24
30-Jan-25
10-Mar-25
200,277,515 200,318,663
Attachment 1 to Report FIN 13-25
- 179 -
CITY OF PICKERING INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES FOR 2024
Financial
Institution Instrument Cost Principal Yield Term
Purchase
Date
Maturity
Date
Long Term
Nesbitt Burns Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal Trust Company GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal Mortgage Corp GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal Trust Company GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal Trust Company GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
TD Wealth Toronto Dominion Bank
Toronto Dominion Bank GIC
Toronto Dominion Bank Mortgage GIC
Royal Bank of Canada GIC
Toronto Dominion Bank GIC
Canadian Western Bank
Toronto Dominion Bank Mortgage GIC
Toronto Dominion Bank Mortgage GIC
Toronto Dominion Bank PAC Mortgage GIC
CIBC Bank Protected Notes
Toronto Dominion Bank Mortgage GIC
Toronto Dominion Bank GIC
CIBC Bank Protected Notes
1,850,000.00
2,662,000.00
1,755,777.00
1,868,000.00
2,346,000.00
5,739,000.00
6,368,000.00
7,400,000.00
3,089,000.00
3,480,000.00
4,200,000.00
4,200,000.00
4,166,000.00
3,175,000.00
4,052,000.00
1,991,000.00
4,384,091.00
2,274,000.00
3,662,000.00
2,994,000.00
2,363,037.74
1,032,570.00
1,013,945.00
2,151,882.00
2,750,000.00
1,950,200.00
2,750,000.00
2,000,000.00
2,023,000.00
3,000,000.00
2,261,767.00
2,261,767.00
2,000,000.00
1,850,000.00
2,662,000.00
1,755,777.00
1,868,000.00
2,346,000.00
5,739,000.00
6,368,000.00
7,400,000.00
3,089,000.00
3,480,000.00
4,200,000.00
4,200,000.00
4,166,000.00
3,175,000.00
4,052,000.00
1,991,000.00
4,384,091.00
2,274,000.00
3,662,000.00
2,994,000.00
2,441,327.77
1,032,570.00
1,013,945.00
2,151,882.00
2,750,000.00
1,993,647.37
2,750,000.00
2,000,000.00
2,023,000.00
3,000,000.00
2,261,767.00
2,261,767.00
2,000,000.00
5.000%
4.980%
4.550%
5.040%
5.710%
5.560%
5.560%
5.760%
5.620%
5.800%
5.160%
5.160%
4.980%
5.180%
5.220%
4.860%
4.760%
3.860%
3.470%
3.470%
2.667%
5.100%
0.950%
5.100%
5.100%
3.860%
5.100%
4.350%
4.250%
6.200%
3.700%
3.700%
5.750%
747
733
1,096
1,097
733
1,098
1,098
731
1,097
732
732
732
1,098
731
730
1,095
730
1,095
730
730
740
1,096
1,826
1,097
1,097
878
1,096
1,461
1,826
1,830
1,095
1,095
1,825
22-Dec-22
18-Jan-23
01-May-23
31-May-23
19-Jul-23
22-Aug-23
29-Aug-23
15-Sep-23
12-Oct-23
16-Nov-23
21-Mar-24
21-Mar-24
26-Mar-24
12-Apr-24
01-May-24
10-Jun-24
17-Jul-24
19-Nov-24
18-Dec-24
23-Dec-24
31-Aug-23
10-Nov-23
10-Nov-20
23-Nov-22
23-Nov-22
25-Nov-22
01-Dec-22
05-Jun-24
05-Jun-24
07-Oct-24
02-Dec-24
02-Dec-24
03-Dec-24
07-Jan-25
20-Jan-25
01-May-26
01-Jun-26
21-Jul-25
24-Aug-26
31-Aug-26
15-Sep-25
13-Oct-26
17-Nov-25
23-Mar-26
23-Mar-26
29-Mar-27
13-Apr-26
01-May-26
10-Jun-27
17-Jul-26
19-Nov-27
18-Dec-26
23-Dec-26
09-Sep-25
10-Nov-26
10-Nov-25
24-Nov-25
24-Nov-25
21-Apr-25
01-Dec-25
05-Jun-28
05-Jun-29
11-Oct-29
02-Dec-27
02-Dec-27
02-Dec-29
Total Long-term
Total External Investments
Interfund Investments (Internal Loans)
99,214,037 99,335,774
299,491,552 299,654,437
0
- 180 -
CITY OF PICKERING INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES FOR 2024
Financial
Institution Instrument Cost Principal Yield Term
Purchase
Date
Maturity
Date
Total Investment Activity 299,654,437
- 181 -
CITY OF PICKERING INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES FOR 2024
Financial
Institution Instrument Cost Principal Yield Term
Purchase
Date
Maturity
Date
Long Term Dispositions
Nesbitt Burns Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Bank of Nova Scotia GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
NATIONAL BANK OF CDA GIC
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
TD Wealth Laurentian Bank of CDA
Bank of Nova Scotia GIC
Bank of Montreal GIC Annual
Total Dispositions
2,516,000.00
4,008,000.00
1,789,000.00
3,851,000.00
2,053,000.00
2,944,000.00
1,827,000.00
2,402,000.00
3,451,000.00
1,966,000.00
3,100,000.00
3,479,000.00
3,774,800.00
2,750,000.00
2,750,000.00
2,516,000.00
4,008,000.00
1,789,000.00
3,851,000.00
2,053,000.00
2,944,000.00
1,827,000.00
2,402,000.00
3,451,000.00
1,966,000.00
3,100,000.00
3,479,000.00
3,796,854.79
2,750,000.00
2,750,000.00
1.040%
1.110%
1.320%
1.370%
1.860%
1.680%
2.880%
4.760%
4.800%
4.800%
4.810%
5.270%
1.150%
5.050%
5.050%
1,098
1,098
1,096
1,096
1,096
1,097
733
547
547
547
549
731
556
733
732
16-Mar-21
27-Apr-21
04-Jun-21
16-Jul-21
05-Nov-21
22-Dec-21
23-Mar-22
21-Sep-22
21-Sep-22
26-Sep-22
07-Oct-22
13-Dec-22
25-Nov-22
23-Nov-22
01-Dec-22
18-Mar-24
29-Apr-24
04-Jun-24
16-Jul-24
05-Nov-24
23-Dec-24
25-Mar-24
21-Mar-24
21-Mar-24
26-Mar-24
08-Apr-24
13-Dec-24
03-Jun-24
25-Nov-24
02-Dec-24
Matured
Matured
Matured
Matured
Matured
Matured
Matured
Matured
Matured
Matured
Matured
Matured
Matured
Matured
Matured
42,660,800 42,682,855
- 182 -
CITY OF PICKERING OUTSTANDING INVESTMENTS AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2024
Financial Purchase Maturity Interest
Institution Instrument Cost Principal Yield Term Date Date Payable Dates
Short-term Current & Reserve Fund Investments
Nesbitt Burns BMO GIC 5,418,000.00 5,418,000.00 5.26% 366 16-Jan-24 16-Jan-25
BMO GIC 9,323,067.00 9,323,067.00 5.16% 367 28-Jun-24 30-Jun-25
BMO MRTG CORP GIC 9,327,850.00 9,327,850.00 5.16% 367 28-Jun-24 30-Jun-25
BMO TRUST CO GIC 8,862,726.00 8,862,726.00 5.16% 367 28-Jun-24 30-Jun-25
BMO GIC 8,900,000.00 8,900,000.00 4.21% 272 08-Oct-24 07-Jul-25
BMO TRUST CO GIC 5,613,304.00 5,613,304.00 5.06% 365 22-Jul-24 22-Jul-25
BMO GIC 10,700,000.00 10,700,000.00 4.22% 365 02-Oct-24 02-Oct-25
BMO MRTG CORP GIC 10,700,000.00 10,700,000.00 4.22% 365 02-Oct-24 02-Oct-25
BMO TRUST CO GIC 10,700,000.00 10,700,000.00 4.22% 365 02-Oct-24 02-Oct-25
BMO GIC 3,858,000.00 3,858,000.00 4.08% 365 15-Oct-24 15-Oct-25
BMO GIC 6,677,000.00 6,677,000.00 3.77% 365 04-Dec-24 04-Dec-25
BMO MRTG CORP GIC 7,638,620.00 7,638,620.00 3.42% 365 18-Dec-24 18-Dec-25
TD Wealth TD Bank GIC 3,403,239.00 3,403,239.00 5.15% 366 30-Jan-24 30-Jan-25
TD Bank GIC 2,320,924.00 2,320,924.00 5.05% 367 08-Mar-24 10-Mar-25
Total Short-term 103,442,730.00 103,442,730.00
Long-term Reserve Fund Investments
Nesbitt Burns BMO GIC 1,850,000.00 1,850,000.00 5.00% 747 22-Dec-22 07-Jan-25
BMO GIC 2,662,000.00 2,662,000.00 4.98% 733 18-Jan-23 20-Jan-25
BMO GIC 1,755,777.00 1,755,777.00 4.55% 1096 01-May-23 01-May-26
BMO GIC 1,868,000.00 1,868,000.00 5.04% 1097 31-May-23 01-Jun-26
BMO GIC 2,346,000.00 2,346,000.00 5.71% 733 19-Jul-23 21-Jul-25
BMO GIC 5,739,000.00 5,739,000.00 5.56% 1098 22-Aug-23 24-Aug-26
BMO TRUST CO GIC 6,368,000.00 6,368,000.00 5.56% 1098 29-Aug-23 31-Aug-26
BMO GIC 7,400,000.00 7,400,000.00 5.76% 731 15-Sep-23 15-Sep-25
BMO GIC 3,089,000.00 3,089,000.00 5.62% 1097 12-Oct-23 13-Oct-26
BMO GIC 3,480,000.00 3,480,000.00 5.80% 732 16-Nov-23 17-Nov-25
BMO GIC 4,200,000.00 4,200,000.00 5.16% 732 21-Mar-24 23-Mar-26
BMO Mortgage Corp GIC 4,200,000.00 4,200,000.00 5.16% 732 21-Mar-24 23-Mar-26
BMO GIC 4,166,000.00 4,166,000.00 4.98% 1098 26-Mar-24 29-Mar-27
BMO Trust CO GIC 3,175,000.00 3,175,000.00 5.18% 731 12-Apr-24 13-Apr-26
BMO GIC 4,052,000.00 4,052,000.00 5.22% 730 01-May-24 01-May-26
BMO GIC 1,991,000.00 1,991,000.00 4.86% 1095 10-Jun-24 10-Jun-27
BMO GIC 4,384,091.00 4,384,091.00 4.76% 730 17-Jul-24 17-Jul-26
BMO GIC 2,274,000.00 2,274,000.00 3.86% 1095 19-Nov-24 19-Nov-27
BMO Trust CO GIC 3,662,000.00 3,662,000.00 3.47% 730 18-Dec-24 18-Dec-26
BMO GIC 2,994,000.00 2,994,000.00 3.47% 730 23-Dec-24 23-Dec-26
Attachment 2 to Report FIN 13-25
- 183 -
CITY OF PICKERING OUTSTANDING INVESTMENTS AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2024
Financial Purchase Maturity Interest
Institution Instrument Cost Principal Yield Term Date Date Payable Dates
TD Wealth TD Mortgage GIC 1,013,945.00 1,013,945.00 0.95% 1826 10-Nov-20 10-Nov-25
RBC GIC 2,151,882.00 2,151,882.00 5.10% 1097 23-Nov-22 24-Nov-25
TD GIC 2,750,000.00 2,750,000.00 5.10% 1097 23-Nov-22 24-Nov-25
Canadian Western Bank 1,993,647.37 2,000,000.00 3.86% 878 25-Nov-22 21-Apr-25 Apr 21 & Oct 21
TD Mortgage GIC 2,750,000.00 2,750,000.00 5.10% 1096 01-Dec-22 01-Dec-25
TD Bank 2,441,327.77 2,482,000.00 2.67% 740 31-Aug-23 09-Sep-25 MAR 9 & Sep 9
TD Bank GIC 1,032,570.00 1,032,570.00 5.10% 1096 10-Nov-23 10-Nov-26
TD MTG GIC 2,000,000.00 2,000,000.00 4.35% 1461 05-Jun-24 05-Jun-28
TD PAC MTG GIC 2,023,000.00 2,023,000.00 4.25% 1826 05-Jun-24 05-Jun-29
CIBC Protected Notes 3,000,000.00 3,000,000.00 6.20% 1830 07-Oct-24 11-Oct-29
TD MTG GIC 2,261,767.00 2,261,767.00 3.70% 1095 02-Dec-24 02-Dec-27
TD Bank GIC 2,261,767.00 2,261,767.00 3.70% 1095 02-Dec-24 02-Dec-27
CIBC Protected Notes 2,000,000.00 2,000,000.00 5.75% 1825 03-Dec-24 02-Dec-29
Total Long-term 99,335,774.14 99,382,799.00
Total External Investments 202,778,504.14 202,825,529.00
Interfund Investments (Internal Loans)
Development Charge Reserve Fund 1,404,254.80 3.65% to 5.50% various various various
Total as at December 31, 2024 204,229,783.80
- 184 -
Investment Account Overview
Comparative Returns 2024 Annual Return
City of Pickering Portfolio 4.99%
CIBC Cdn T-Bill Premium Class 4.40%
Morningstar Canadian Money Market Fund Index 4.16%
Attachment 3 to Report FIN13-25
- 185 -
Attachment 4 to Report FIN13-25
TD Wealth
Private Investment Advice
Your performance report
January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
Account number: 7AS047
Account type: Consolidated Canadian
Account currency: Canadian dollars
Your Investment Advisor
Bill MacMillan THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF 416-944-6857PICKERING 79 Wellington Street West, 11th FloorATTN: MS.KRISTINE SENIOR Toronto, Ontario M5K 1A11 THE ESPLANADE
PICKERING ON
L 1V 6K7
Last 12 months Since Aug 29, 2013
(Jan 1, 2024 -Dec 31, 2024) (Aug 29, 2013 - Dec 31, 2024)
Performance reporting beginning balance $32,321,463.39 $0.00 - - - -.. ------- - . - - - - -- - - - - - - - - . - -..Deposits including transfers in $0.00 $50,138,556.16 .. - -................................ ····· .. --.. ---·· .. --- - - - - -----· ..... .
Withdrawals including transfers out -$33,097.47 -$20,876,795.39
Change in value of your account $1,741,064.72 $4,767,669.87
Performance reporting ending balance $34,029,430.64 $34,029,430.64
How your account has performed Your personal rates of return
Your account has changed in value by $4,767,669.87 since as of Dec 31, 2024
Aug 29, 2013.
433,000
946,400
59,800
973,200
86,600
$0
Your invested capital (deposits less withdrawals):
For the last For the last For the last For the last Since $37,12 months 3 years 5 years 10 years Aug 29, 2013
(%) (%) (%) (%) (%)
$29,5.39 4.26 3.67 2.95 2.86
$22,4 Personal rate of return reflects the total percentage return earned on the investments
held in your account. Total percentage return means the cumulative realized and
unrealized capital gains and losses of an investment, plus income from the investment,
over a specified period of time, expressed as a percentage. $14,
Personal rate of return is calculated using a money-weighted methodology. Unlike
alternative rate of return methodologies, it takes into account any deposits or
withdrawals you have made, and the performance outcomes of your investments over a $7,4 specified time period, net of fees and charges paid directly by this account. Rates of
return are provided on an annualized basis except for any returns reflective of a period of
less than one year.
This historical data offers you a longer term perspective about your account's
performance and progress towards your goals.
since Aug 29, 2013: $29,261,760.77
Market value of your account as of Dec 31, 2024: $34,029,430.64
Your invested capital is calculated based on the deposits less withdrawals of cash and/or securities, and for accounts that were opened prior to Jan 1, 2012 the market value of your account at that time was used to determine the opening invested capital value. Deposits or withdrawals of securities into your account use the closing market value of each security to calculate the value of the contribution or withdrawal taking into account
any applicable fees or charges. It does not include interest earned or reinvested distributions. Invested capital can appear as a negative number ii the market value of
your withdrawals is greater than the market value or your deposits.
Reg
Can
RegTD Waterhouse Canada Inc.
Member -Canadian Investor Protection Fund
ulated by CIRO
adian Investment
ulatory Organization Page 1 of 3
- 186 -
Report to
Executive Committee
Report Number: FIN 14-25
Date: September 3, 2025
From: Stan Karwowski
Director, Finance & Treasurer
Subject: 2024 Building Permit Stabilization Reserve Fund
File: F4910-01
Recommendation:
1. That Report FIN 14-25 regarding the 2024 Building Permit Stabilization Reserve Fund be
received for information.
Executive Summary: The purpose of this report is to fulfill Section 7(4) of the Building
Code Act (the “Act”) which requires the City to prepare an annual report of building permit and
inspection fees and related administrative and enforcement costs.
Relationship to the Pickering Strategic Plan: The recommendation in this report responds
to the Pickering Strategic Plan Corporate Key: Good Governance/Customer Service
Excellence.
Financial Implications: This report contains information pertaining to the financial status of
the Building Permit Stabilization Reserve Fund as at December 31, 2024.
Discussion: The purpose of this report is to fulfill Section 7(4) of the Act which requires the
City to prepare an annual report of building permit and inspection fees and related
administrative and enforcement costs.
In December 2005, Council approved Report PD 41-05 (Resolution #219/05), which enacted a
new building permit process and fees under the Act. The Act requires permit fees to be
accounted for, and not used to subsidize City functions other than administration and
enforcement of the Act and the Ontario Building Code.
The purpose of the Building Permit Stabilization Reserve Fund is to provide a source of funds
for current operating budget costs during an economic downturn to offset lower building permit
revenues. Without such a reserve fund, reduced growth and permit volumes during a downturn
could result in severe budgetary pressures which could impair the City’s ability to enforce the
Act and the Ontario Building Code.
As approved by Council (Resolution #651/25), Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. has been
retained to undertake a development application fee review encompassing their planning
application, building permit, and engineering fees. The ultimate objective of the fee review
- 187 -
FIN 14-25 September 3, 2025
Page 2
project is to develop user fee structures to recover a reasonable share of the costs of services
provided to the public and to provide financial stability for the delivery of these services
(including the evaluation of building permit reserve fund levels for the sustainable
administration and enforcement of the Act). Watson & Associates will provide a final report and
recommended fee structure at the end of September 2025.
The Act requires that an annual report be prepared that includes the total Building Permit fees
collected in the previous 12-month period and a summary of directly and indirectly related
administrative costs. The Building Permit Stabilization Reserve Fund has a 2024 yearend
balance of $5,312,868 which can be used as a possible funding source for future Building
Services operating and Capital Budget costs in the event of slower growth to offset lower
building permit fee revenues.
Annual Report – Building Permit Fees
for the year ended December 31, 2024
Building Permit Revenue $9,106,546
Costs:
Direct Costs ($3,702,981)
Indirect Costs (629,507)
Capital Costs (80,000) (4,412,488)
Excess (Shortfall) revenue Over Costs $4,694,058
Building Permit Stabilization Reserve Fund
Opening Balance, January 1, 2024 $ 585,657
2024 Contribution 4,694,058
2024 Interest Income 33,153
Closing Balance, December 31, 2024 $5,312,868
Attachment: None
- 188 -
FIN 14-25 September 3, 2025
Page 3
Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By:
James Halsall
Division Head, Finance
Raghu Kumar
Senior Financial Analyst, Development Charges
& Capital Management
Stan Karwowski
Director Finance & Treasurer
Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering City Council
Marisa Carpino, M.A.
Chief Administrative Officer
Original Signed By:Original Signed By:
Original Signed By:
Original Signed By:
- 189 -
Report to
Executive Committee
Report Number: FIR 05-25
Date: September 2, 2025
From: Steve Boyd
Fire Chief
Subject: Supply and Delivery of a Fire Truck - Pumper Rescue Replacement
Quotation No. RFP2025-9
File: A-1440-001-25
Recommendation:
1.That Quotation No. RFP2025-9 submitted by Dependable Truck & Tank Limited for the
supply and delivery of one Fire Pumper Rescue Apparatus in the amount of $1,721,775.00
plus HST be accepted;
2.That the total gross project cost of $2,312,856.00 (HST included) and the total net project
cost of $2,082,798.00 (net of HST rebate) be approved ;
3.That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized to finance the total net project cost in
the amount of $2,082,798.00 to be funded from the Rate Stabilization Reserve; and
4.That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the necessary
actions as indicated in this report.
Executive Summary: The purpose of this report is to award Quotation No. RFP2025-9 for
the supply and delivery of a fire truck ± pumper rescue replacement. As approved in the 2025
Capital Budget, the Fire Services Department will require one pumper rescue apparatus to
replace City Vehicle 543, the 2010 Smeal pumper rescue apparatus, currently in service .
For the purpose of supplying this apparatus, a Request for Quotation No. RFP2025-9 was
advertised on the bids&tenders portal on April 23, 2025. Three proposals were received and two
of the proposals proceeded to the Stage IV ± Ranking and Negotiations.
The Evaluation Committee scored the quotations and established Dependable Truck & Tank
Limited as the highest ranking respondent. The total gross project cost is estimated to be
$2,312,856.00 (HST included) and the total net project cost is estimated at $2,082,798.00 (net of
HST rebate).
Relationship to the Pickering Strategic Plan: The recommendations in this report respond
to the Pickering Strategic Plan Priority of Advance Innovation & Responsible Planning to Support
a Connected, Well-Serviced Community; and Advocate for an Inclusive, Welcoming, Safe &
Healthy Community.
- 190 -
FIR 05-25 September 2, 2025
Page 2
Financial Implications:
1)Quotation Amount
Quotation No. RFP2025-9 $1,721,775.00
HST (13%) 223,831.00
Total Gross Quotation Cost $1,945,606.00
2)Estimated Project Costing
Quotation No. RFP2025-9 $1,721,775.00
Tools and Equipment (5340.2205.6178)
Contingency
Sub Total Cost
315,000.00
10,000.00
$2,046,775.00
HST (13%) 266,081.00
Total Gross Project Cost $2,312,856.00
HST Rebate (11.24%) (230,058.00)
Total Net Project Cost $2,082,798.00
3)Approved Source of Funds
Account Code
C10700.2501.504300
C10700.2501.504200
Source of Funds
Rate Stabilization Reserve
Rate Stabilization Reserve
Property Taxes
Total Funds
Available Budget
$1,785,000.00
315,000.00
$2,100,000.00
0.00
$2,100,000.00
Required
$1,762,254.00
315,000.00
$2,082,798.00
0.00
$2,082,798.00
Project Cost under/(over) approved funds by $17,202.00
This apparatus will require necessary tools and equipment that will require custom mounting and
fitting in order to ready it for service. A portion of the funds will be required for the purchase and
installation of this equipment.
Discussion: The purpose of this report is to award Quotation No. RFP2025 -9 for the supply
and delivery of a fire truck ± pumper rescue replacement. This pumper rescue apparatus, as
approved in the 2025 Capital Budget and bid under RFP No. RFP2025 -9, will be primarily
utilized to respond to emergency incidents throughout the City that include structure fires,
automobile accidents, medical emergencies, industrial alarms, and specialized rescues. It is
- 191 -
FIR 05-25 September 2, 2025
Page 3
designed to be highly maneuverable and carry specialized equipment, 1 ,900 liters of water, and
has a pump capacity rating of 7,000 liters per minute.
The estimated time to have this apparatus built and placed in-service is 18-months after the
successful rHVSRQGHQWLVDZDUGHG7KLVWLPH DOORZV3LFNHULQJ)LUH6HUYLFHV¶DQG City
Infrastructure staff to carefully oversee the construction of the apparatus and ensure it is fully
operational before it is deemed ready for service. This includes installing required tools and
equipment that have not been included in the purchasing contract, and trainin g City
Infrastructure DQG)LUH 6HUYLFHVVWDIIRQWKH DSSDUDWXV¶PDLQWHQDQFHDQGXVH
When the apparatus is ready for service it will be added to the Pickering Fire Services vehicle
fleet. It will replace City Vehicle 543, a 2010 Smeal pumper rescue apparatus. The 2010 Smeal
SXPSHUUHVFXH DSSDUDWXVKDVUHDFKHGLW¶V\HDUVHUYLFHOLIHDQG is due for replacement.
Specifications for this apparatus were developed based on consultation with Purchasing staff,
City Infrastructure staff, the Fire Services Joint Health & Safety Committee, and Training Division
staff. Submissions have been received to the proposal call, which closed on June 16, 2025 with
three respondents submitting quotations for this project.
Fire Services staff have reviewed the previous work experience of Dependable Truck & Tank
Limited, the references provided, and the bid is deemed acceptable. Dependable Truck & Tank
Limited has successfully completed previous projects with Pickering Fire Services that include
the 2023 Fire Pumper Rescue (FIR 01-23), the 2018 Fire Pumper Tanker (FIR 02-18) and the
2017 Fire Pumper Rescue (FIR 02-17).
This apparatus will require the purchase of specialized vehicle extrication equipment, rescue
saws, fire hose, nozzles, a ventilation fan, and various hand tools for emergency response.
Upon careful examination of all quotations and relevant documents received, the Fire Services
Department recommends the acceptance of the RFP submitted by Dependable Truck & Tank
Limited for RFP No. RFP2025-9 in the amount of $1,945,606.00 (HST included) and that the
total net project cost of $2,082,798.00 (net of HST rebate) be approved .
Attachment:
None
- 192 -
FIR 05-25 September 2, 2025
Page 4
Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By:
Original Signed By Original Signed By
Jason Yoshida Steve Boyd
Deputy Fire Chief Fire Chief
Original Signed By Original Signed By
John Kavaratzis, B.A, CSCMP,SCMP Stan Karwowski, MBA, CPA, CMA
Senior Procurement Analyst Director, Finance & Treasurer
JY:jm
Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering City Council
Marisa Carpino, M.A.
Chief Administrative Officer
- 193 -
Report to
Executive Committee
Report Number: PLN 17-25
Date: September 2, 2025
From: Kyle Bentley
Director, City Development & CBO
Subject: Proposed Indigenous Engagement Guide for Durham Region Area Municipalities
File: A-2700-002
Recommendation:
1.That Council authorize City staff to participate in the creation of an Indigenous
Engagement Guide for Durham Region area municipalities;
2.That Council agree to financially support the creation of an Indigenous Engagement
Guide for Durham Region area municipalities:
a.Based on a funding formula of:
i.Whitby: 31%
ii.Ajax, Clarington, Oshawa, and Pickering: 15% each
iii.Brock, Scugog, Uxbridge: 3% each
b.To an upset limit of $25,000 for Pickering’s portion of the costs; and
3. That Council authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a cost sharing agreement
among the City of Pickering, and the other area municipalities, a draft of which is included
in Attachment 1, subject to any necessary, agreed to, minor refinements.
4.That the appropriate City of Pickering officials be authorized to take the actions necessary to
implement the recommendations in this report.
Executive Summary: The purpose of this report is to seek Council’s authorization to
partner with the other lower-tier municipalities in Durham Region in the creation of an
Indigenous Engagement Guide for Durham Region area municipalities.
Within that partnership, Pickering has been asked to financially support 15% of the costs for
the creation of the Indigenous Engagement Guide. Staff recommend that Pickering’s portion of
the project costs not exceed $25,000.
A cost-sharing agreement is required among the City of Pickering and the other area
municipalities participating in this project.
- 194 -
PLN 17-25 September 2, 2025
Page 2
Relationship to the Pickering Strategic Plan: The recommendations in this report respond
to the Pickering Strategic Plan Priority of Strengthen Existing & Build New Partnerships.
Financial Implications: The City’s maximum cost to participate in the creation of a
Indigenous Engagement Guide for Durham Region area municipalities is $25,000.
Approved Source of Funds – 2025 Current Budget
Expenditure Account Source of Funds Budget
502230 – 11100 Property Tax $25,000.00
Discussion: The purpose of this report is to seek Council’s authorization to partner with the
other lower-tier municipalities in Durham Region in the creation of an Indigenous Engagement
Guide for Durham Region area municipalities.
1. Definition of Terms
Indigenous – an umbrella term for First Nations (status and non-status), Métis and Inuit.
First Nations – First Nations is a specific term for one of the three groups, encompassing
those who are neither Inuit nor Métis, and are often further categorized by status
(having legal recognition) and non-status (lacking legal recognition).
2. Duty to Consult/Engagement
As the Crown, the Province of Ontario has a legal obligation to consult with Indigenous
peoples where it determines that decisions or actions may adversely impact asserted or
established Indigenous or treaty rights. Consultation generally involves:
• providing timely and accessible information to the Indigenous community on the
proposed project, activity or decision
• obtaining information on any potentially affected rights
• listening to any concerns raised by the Indigenous community, and
• determining how to address these concerns, including attempting to avoid, minimize
and/or mitigate adverse impacts on Indigenous or treaty rights
While the legal responsibility for consultation rests with the Province, the Provincial
Planning Statement (PPS) states that when coordinating planning matters:
Planning authorities shall undertake early engagement with Indigenous
communities and coordinate on land use planning matters to facilitate
knowledge-sharing, support consideration of Indigenous interests in land use
decision-making and support the identification of potential impacts of
decisions on the exercise of Indigenous or treaty rights.
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PLN 17-25 September 2, 2025
Page 3
As a result, local municipalities such as Pickering have been directed by the Province to
engage with Indigenous peoples on significant planning matters in their jurisdiction.
City Development staff welcome the opportunity to learn from Indigenous peoples to
facilitate the ongoing transformation of Pickering into a healthy and complete
community.
3. Pickering’s Experience with Indigenous Engagement
Engagement with Indigenous peoples is already a required element for the environmental
assessments of municipal infrastructure projects. In conformity with the PPS, Pickering
has also initiated engagement with the local Williams Treaties First Nations for major
planning projects, such as the Official Plan Review and the proposed Northeast
Pickering Secondary Plan. This has resulted in the City entering into Relationship/Capacity
Agreements to financially reimburse the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation for
their participation in both of those projects.
4. Other Municipal Experiences
Within Durham Region, each of the lower tier municipalities are also learning to engage
with the Williams Treaties First Nations on their major planning projects.
Unlike commenting agencies, such as school boards, conservation authorities, and
utilities, the Williams Treaties First Nations rightsholders do not have the same
resources and capacity to respond to engagement requests from multiple municipalities.
This has resulted in confusion on how municipalities can authentically engage with First
Nations while also remaining compliant with approval timeframes in the Planning Act.
5. Proposal for an Indigenous Engagement Guide for Durham Region area
municipalities
In an effort to improve the current ad hoc approach to First Nations engagement, the
lower-tier municipalities in Durham Region are initiating the creation of an Indigenous
Engagement Guide. This project is intended to help staff learn more about authentic
engagement with the Williams Treaties First Nations, and to result in a guidance
document that will provide best practices to engagement. Consistent and authentic
engagement is intended to benefit both the Williams Treaties First Nations and the
municipal planning authorities.
A Request for Proposal is expected to be released in fall 2025 and awarded to a
consultant in December 2025. The final Indigenous Engagement Guide for Durham
Region area municipalities is expected to be issued in September 2026. Once
completed, the Indigenous Engagement Guide may recommend future financial
investments in the City’s ever-growing relationship with local Indigenous peoples.
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PLN 17-25 September 2, 2025
Page 4
6. Cost Sharing
The Town of Whitby has initiated this project and has prepared a draft Request for
Proposal that is being reviewed by staff. The proposed funding formula for this project is
shown below:
• Whitby: 31%
• Ajax, Clarington, Oshawa, and Pickering: 15% each
• Brock, Scugog, Uxbridge: 3% each
Should Council agree to the funding formula noted above, staff recommend an upset
limit of $25,000 for participation in this project.
Pickering’s commitment to the proposed funding formula, along with the other lower-tier
municipalities, is necessary to enable Whitby to proceed in releasing the Request for
Proposal.
7. Conclusion
Engagement with First Nations peoples for major municipal projects is not only a
directive from the Provincial government, but is also an important demonstration of the
City’s commitment to enhancing our relationship with First Nations.
The creation of an Indigenous Engagement Guide will create consistency in the lower-
tier municipality’s approach to engagement, and should clarify expectations and
outcomes for both First Nations and City staff.
It is recommended that Council authorize City staff to participate in the creation of an
Indigenous Engagement Guide for Durham Region area municipalities; agree to
financially support up to $25,000 towards the creation of an Indigenous Engagement
Guide Durham Region area municipalities; and, the Mayor and the City Clerk execute a
cost sharing agreement among the City of Pickering, and the other area municipalities,
to give effect thereto.
Attachment:
1. Draft Cost Sharing Agreement among the City of Pickering and the other area
municipalities
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PLN 17-25 September 2, 2025
Page 5
Prepared By:
Original Signed By
Paul Wirch, RPP
Principal Planner, Policy
Approved/Endorsed By:
Original Signed By
Catherine Rose, MCIP, RPP
Chief Planner
Original Signed By
Kyle Bentley, P. Eng.
Director, City Development & CBO
Original Signed By
Stan Karwowski
Director, Finance & Treasurer
PW:ld
Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering City Council
Original Signed By
Marisa Carpino, M.A.
Chief Administrative Officer
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INDIGENOUS ENGAGEMENT GUIDE COST SHARING AGREEMENT
Dated this day of August, 2025.
B E T W E E N:
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF WHITBY (“Whitby”)
-and -
THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF PICKERING (“Pickering”)
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THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF AJAX (“Ajax”)
-and -
THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF OSHAWA (“Oshawa”)
-and -
THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON (“Clarington”)
-and -
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF BROCK (“Brock”)
-and -
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF SCUGOG (“Scugog”)
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THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF UXBRIDGE (“Uxbridge”)
RECITALS:
WHEREAS Whitby, Pickering, Ajax, Oshawa, Clarington, Brock, Scugog and
Uxbridge (individually a “Municipality” or collectively the “Municipalities”) are
municipalities pursuant to the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001 c. 25, and are the eight
(8) lower tier municipalities in the Region of Durham;
AND WHEREAS the Municipalities are seeking to retain a consultant in order to
develop a practical and actionable Indigenous Engagement Guide (“Indigenous
Engagement Guide”) in order to support the duty to consult as set out by the
Attachment 1 to Report PLN 17-25
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Constitution Act, 1982, and to provide best practices for land use and infrastructure
consultation with Indigenous communities;
AND WHEREAS the Municipalities have agreed to jointly procure and develop
the Indigenous Engagement Guide, and to contribute financially to the development of
the Indigenous Engagement Guide in accordance with agreed upon parameters;
NOW THEREFORE, in accordance with the principles set out above, the parties
hereby agree as follows:
1. DEFINITIONS
1.1. “Agreement” means this Indigenous Engagement Cost Sharing Agreement.
1.2. “Business Day” or “Business Days” shall mean any day(s) other than Saturday,
Sunday or statutory holidays in the Province of Ontario.
1.3. “Consultant” means the entity which is awarded the Contract.
1.4. “Contract” means the agreement entered into between the Town of Whitby and
the successful vendor for the preparation of the Indigenous Engagement Guide.
1.5. “Deputy CAO” means the Deputy CAO of the Town of Whitby.
1.6. “Notice” means any notice, request, direction or other document that the
Municipalities or any one of them individually may give under this Agreement.
1.7. “Partner Municipalities” means all of the Municipalities except for Whitby.
1.8. “Project” shall mean the creation of the Indigenous Engagement Guide.
1.9. “RFP” shall mean the Request for Proposals to be issued by Whitby, in
consultation with the remaining Municipalities, as set out in greater detail in
Section 3 of this Agreement.
2. TERM AND SCOPE OF THE AGREEMENT
2.1. This Agreement shall commence on the date it is executed by all Municipalities
and shall conclude once the final Indigenous Consultation Guide has been
delivered by the Consultant (the “Term”).
2.2. This Agreement shall define the obligations and duties of the Municipalities with
respect to undertaking the procurement of the Consultant and the drafting and
implementation of the Indigenous Engagement Guide, and shall include the
nature and specifications thereof and payments required to be made by each
Municipality and such other matters more specifically set out herein.
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3. WHITBY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
3.1. It is agreed that Whitby will be leading the procurement process and managing the
Contract on behalf of the Partner Municipalities.
3.2. Whitby shall be primarily responsible for the following:
a) Drafting the RFP for review and comment from the Partner Municipalities;
b) Issuing the RFP once finalized and approved by all Municipalities in
accordance with Section 6 of this Agreement;
c) At the conclusion of the question period as set out in the RFP, consolidating
all questions and sending to the Partner Municipalities for review and
comment, and issuing any addenda required to respond to the questions;
d) Drafting and issuing any other addenda which may be required as part of
the procurement process;
e) Chairing the selection committee for the RFP process;
f) Once all proposals submitted through the RFP process have been
evaluated by the selection committee, notifying the selected bidder and
conducting the pre-contract verification stage as set out in the RFP and in
accordance with Whitby’s Procurement Policy; and
g) Drafting the Contract, including leading any negotiations with the
Consultant if required.
3.3. The RFP process will be conducted in accordance with Whitby’s Procurement
Policy. The Contract will be awarded to the compliant bidder who is the highest
ranked proponent following completion of the RFP process. The decision to award
the Contract will be determined through the RFP process and will not be subject
to the decision-making process as otherwise set forth in this Agreement.
3.4. Once the RFP process is complete and the Contract finalized, Whitby will enter
into the Contract with the selected vendor and will be the party to the Contract. A
copy of the executed Contract will be provided by Whitby to the Partner
Municipalities.
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3.5. Whitby will draft the Contract to be included in the RFP package and will seek input
from the Partner Municipalities in accordance with this Agreement.
3.6. Whitby shall be responsible for communications directly with the Consultant for the
duration of the term of the Contract. Whitby shall provide periodic updates on the
status of the Project to the Partner Municipalities. Whitby shall consult with the
Partner Municipalities prior to providing direction to the Consultant where such
direction involves a change to the Contract price, the duration of the Contract or
the final Indigenous Consultation Guide.
3.7. Whitby shall provide any drafts of the Indigenous Consultation Guide to the Partner
Municipalities for review and comment where such drafts are provided by the
Consultant. Whitby shall not provide any comments back to the Consultant without
first seeking the input of the Partner Municipalities and shall ensure that comments
from all the Partner Municipalities are incorporated into any drafts sent back to the
Consultant.
3.8. Whitby shall be the point of contact with the Consultant and shall be the only
Municipality to communicate with the Consultant, save and except for the direct
engagement and interviews that the Consultant will perform with each Municipality
in accordance with the Contract. Such consultations and interviews shall be
arranged directly between the Consultant and each Municipality. Whitby shall
submit any questions or comments from any of the Partner Municipalities to the
Consultant as necessary, and shall promptly provide any response to the Partner
Municipalities.
3.9. Whitby shall continue to lead the review and collaboration with the Consultant until
the Indigenous Consultation Guide is completed.
4. PARNTER MUNICIPALITIES’ ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
4.1. The Partner Municipalities understand and agree that Whitby will be the party to
the Contract and Whitby will be providing instructions to the Consultant on behalf
of all Municipalities, such instructions to be determined in accordance with this
Agreement. Where Whitby requests comments or information from the Partner
Municipalities, each of the Partner Municipalities shall ensure that any response is
provided within five (5) business days, unless otherwise indicated or required by
Whitby or the Consultant.
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4.2. Where a Partner Municipality does not provide a response within the timelines
provided, Whitby shall be permitted to respond to the Consultant without such
input.
4.3. When provided by Whitby, the Partner Municipalities shall review any draft
Indigenous Consultation Guide, requests for further information or other
documents provided by the successful vendor, and provide any input and
comments to Whitby.
4.4. The Partner Municipalities shall not communicate directly with the Consultant
unless outlined in the RFP for engagement purposes. Any questions that any of
the Partner Municipalities wish to ask the Consultant shall be submitted to the
Deputy CAO, to be submitted to the Consultant.
4.5. Upon receipt of an invoice from Whitby, the Partner Municipalities shall ensure
prompt payment of their respective share of the Consultant’s fees to Whitby.
5. COST SHARING
5.1. The Municipalities shall jointly share in the cost of the drafting and development of
the Indigenous Consultation Guide. Each Municipality shall be responsible for its
portion of the cost in accordance with the following:
a) Whitby – 30%
b) Pickering – 15%
c) Ajax – 15%
d) Oshawa – 15%
e) Clarington – 15%
f) Brock – 3%
g) Scugog – 3%
h) Uxbridge – 3%.
5.2. Payment to the Consultant shall be made in accordance with the Contract. Whitby
shall make payments to the Consultant as required. Upon receipt of an invoice
from the Consultant, Whitby will provide a copy of the Invoice to each of the Partner
Municipalities, along with an invoice for each Municipalities’ respective share of
the invoice.
5.3. Payment shall be made by each Municipality to Whitby within thirty (30) days of
receipt of an invoice.
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5.4. Where a Municipality is in default of its payment obligations pursuant to this
section, that Municipality shall not be entitled to receive further updates on the
Project or to provide any further input to the Project until such time as payment has
been made.
5.5. Each Municipality shall be responsible for its own internal costs in relation to the
Project. No Municipality shall be obligated to provide payment to another
Municipality, except as specifically authorized by this section.
5.6. Each Municipality shall be responsible for its own internal approvals required for
the Project, including but not limited to any approval required by the Council of the
Municipality.
6. DECISION MAKING
6.1. The Municipalities agree that all decision with respect to the Project will be made
first through good faith discussions and consensus amongst all Municipalities,
wherever possible.
6.2. In the event that a consensus cannot be reached within a reasonable amount of
time, the decision shall be made by vote. In total, there shall be 100 votes cast
with respect to the decision to be made. Each Municipality shall have a number
of votes that is proportionate to the percentage of the costs being paid by the
said Municipality. For greater certainty, the number of votes shall be as follows:
a) Whitby – 30 votes
b) Pickering – 15 votes
c) Ajax – 15 votes
d) Oshawa – 15 votes
e) Clarington – 15 votes
f) Brock – 3 votes
g) Scugog – 3 votes
h) Uxbridge – 3 votes.
A decision shall be approved if it receives a majority of votes cast unless a higher
threshold is otherwise specified in this Agreement.
7. TERMINATION
7.1. This Agreement may be terminated prior to the end of the Term where the
Municipalities have agreed to terminate the Contract. Notwithstanding the
provisions of Section 6, any decision to terminate the Contract shall be unanimous.
In the event this Agreement is terminated, each Municipality shall provide its share
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of any outstanding amounts to the Consultant, including any amounts for work
completed but not paid for and any termination costs paid to the Consultant in
accordance with the Contract.
8. INDEMNIFICATION
8.1. Each Municipality shall be responsible for any damages, losses or liabilities arising
out of or in connection with the Project in proportion to its respective share of the
costs as set out in section 5.1. This clause shall not apply where the damages
result from the gross negligence, willful misconduct, fraud or breach of this
Agreement by a specific Municipality or Municipalities (the “Defaulting
Municipality/Municipalities”), in which case those parties shall be jointly and
severally liable for such damages.
8.2. The Defaulting Municipality/Municipalities shall indemnify, defend and hold
harmless the other Municipalities from and against all claims, liabilities, damages,
losses, costs or expenses (including reasonable legal fees) incurred by them as a
result of such gross negligence, willful misconduct, fraud or breach of this
Agreement by the Defaulting Municipality/Municipalities.
8.3. Except as specifically noted in this Agreement, the Municipalities shall not have
any liability in contract, tort or otherwise to one another in connection with this
Agreement.
8.4. This indemnity shall survive the termination or expiration of this MOU.
9. GENERAL
9.1. The Municipalities will cooperate and communicate openly with each other on any
matter relating to the administration of this Agreement and will meet as required.
9.2. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties pertaining
to the Project and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings, negotiations
and discussions, whether oral or written, of the parties, and shall not be amended,
supplemented or modified except in accordance with this Agreement.
9.3. No alteration, amendment, change or addition to this Agreement will bind any of
the Municipalities unless it is in writing and signed by the authorized
representatives of each Municipality, unless otherwise provided for in this
Agreement. For clarity, any alteration, amendment, change or addition shall only
be effective from the date that the final Municipality signs.
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9.4. All notices required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be in
writing and delivered personally, sent by regular pre-paid mail or transmitted by
email, to the Municipalities at:
To Whitby at:
575 Rossland Road East
Whitby, Ontario
L1N 2M8
Attention: Sarah Klein
e-mail: kleins@whitby.ca
and to Pickering at:
One The Esplanade
Pickering, Ontario
L1V 6K7
Attention: Paul Wirch
e-mail: pwirch@pickering.ca
and to Ajax at:
65 Harwood Ave. South
Ajax, Ontario
L1S 2H9
Attention: Kassandra Brownridge
e-mail: kassandra.brownridge@ajax.ca
and to Oshawa at:
50 Centre Street South
Oshawa, Ontario
L1H 3Z7
Attention: Enez Perkins
e-mail: EPerkins@oshawa.ca
and to Clarington at:
40 Temperance Street
Bowmanville, Ontario
L1C 3A6
Attention: Justin MacLean
e-mail: jmaclean@clarington.net
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and to Brock at:
1 Cameron Street East
PO Box 10
Cannington, Ontario
L0E 1E0
Attention: Michelle Willson
e-mail: Michelle.Willson@brock.ca
and to Scugog at:
181 Perry Street
Port Perry, Ontario
L9L 1A7
Attention: Warren Mar
e-mail: wmar@scugog.ca
and to Uxbridge at:
51 Toronto Street South
Uxbridge, Ontario
L0P 1T1
Attention: Jennifer Gowland
e-mail: jgowland@uxbridge.ca
or to such other address and email address as either party may notify to the other
from time to time. A notice sent by email shall be deemed to be received on the
day and time at which it is sent. If such notice is sent after 4:30 pm on a Business
Day or on a Holiday, the notice shall be deemed to have been received at 8:30 am
on the next Business Day following the sending of the notice. A notice sent by
regular letter mail or registered mail shall be deemed to be received five (5) days
following delivery.
9.5. The failure of any Municipality at any time to require performance of any provision
shall not affect the right to require performance at any other time, nor shall the
waiver by either party of a breach of any provision be a waiver of any succeeding
breach or a waiver of the provision itself.
9.6. If any provision of this Agreement is declared illegal, void or unenforceable for any
reasons, such provision shall be severed from the balance of this Agreement and
the remaining provisions hereof shall continue in full force and effect.
9.7. Words importing the singular number only shall include the plural, and vice versa.
Words importing the masculine gender shall include the feminine gender, and vice
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versa. Words importing persons shall include firms and corporations and vice
versa.
9.8. The headings used in this Agreement are included for convenience only and shall
not affect the interpretation hereof.
9.9. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the
federal laws of Canada applicable therein.
9.10. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which
together shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one
and the same instrument. If the signature is delivered by fax transmission or by
email delivery of a scanned data file (Adobe PDF or otherwise), such signature
shall create a valid and binding obligation on the party executing the Agreement
with the same force and effect as if the fax or scanned data file (Adobe PDF or
otherwise) were an original thereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have executed this Agreement by their duly
authorized officers in that behalf.
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF WHITBY
Per: _________
Matthew Gaskell, Chief Administrative Officer
Per: _________
Fuwing Wong, Commissioner, Financial
Services & Treasurer
THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF PICKERING
Per: _____________________________________
Per: _____________________________________
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THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF AJAX
Per: _____________________________________
Per: _____________________________________
THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF OSHAWA
Per: _____________________________________
Per: _____________________________________
THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON
Per: _____________________________________
Per: _____________________________________
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF
BROCK
Per: _____________________________________
Per: _____________________________________
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF
SCUGOG
Per: _____________________________________
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Per: _____________________________________
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF
UXBRIDGE
Per: _____________________________________
Per: _____________________________________
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