HomeMy WebLinkAboutECD 08-25
Report to Council
Report Number: ECD 08-25
Date: October 27, 2025
From: Fiaz Jadoon
Director, Economic Development & Strategic Projects
Subject: Consulting Services for the Corporate Economic Development Strategic Plan
File: A-1440-001
Recommendation:
1.That the proposal submitted by KPMG LLP, in response to Request for Proposal No.
RFP2025-17 to prepare a Corporate Economic Development Strategic Plan, in the
amount of $97,465.00 (net HST) or $108,230.27 (HST included) be accepted;
2.That the total gross project cost of $108, 230.27 (HST included) and total net project cost
of $97,465.00 (net HST) be approved, in accordance with Section 10.04 (c), as the
assignment is over $50,000.00;
3.That the Director, Economic Development & Strategic Projects be authorized to execute
the Form of Agreement with the above mentioned consultant pursuant for Proposal No.
RFP2025-17;
4.That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized to finance the net project cost of
$97,465.00 (net HST) from account 10050.502230; and
5.That the appropriate City of Pickering officials be authorized to take the necessary
actions as indicated in this report.
Executive Summary: The purpose of this report is to award Request for Proposal No.
RFP2025-17 to KPMG LLP (KPMG) for the development of a new Corporate Economic
Development Strategic Plan (2026-2030) for the City of Pickering. In accordance with Section
10.04 (c) of the Purchasing Policy PUR 010, consultant services exceeding $50,000.00 may
be obtained with additional approval from Council.
The purpose of this project is to build on the foundation established by the 2022 Corporate
Economic Development Strategy and to respond to the City's evolving economic landscape,
infrastructure investments, and strategic growth priorities. The City of Pickering, with a current
population of over 118,000, is projected to grow to 155,000 by 2038. Strategically located at
the intersection of Toronto, York Region, and Durham Region, Pickering lies at the heart of
Canada’s largest labour market with over four million people within one-hour commute,
providing businesses access to a large, skilled and diverse talent pool. The City is served by
five universities and six colleges providing access to skills, training, and research assets
across the spectrum. Pickering is also home to nearly 3,600 unique businesses with key
sectors such as EN3 (energy, engineering and environment), advanced manufacturing, and
logistics.
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The updated strategy will guide economic development efforts from 2026 to 2030, with a focus
on emerging sectors, regional and national competitiveness, and inclusive growth. It will
address key themes and developments such as the refurbishment of the Pickering Nuclear
Generating Station, future of the Federal Pickering Lands, development of the community of
Seaton and Northeast Pickering, redevelopment of the City Centre, supply chain resilience, AI
and digital industries, intelligent city planning, and international marketing. The strategy will
also address infrastructure readiness projects, including high-order transit needs for the City,
the widening of arterial roads, and improvements to provincial highways.
A bid advertisement was placed on the City’s bids&tenders’ webpage and promoted on social
media platforms. The RFP closed on September 12, 2025, with five proposals received. An
evaluation committee composed of City Staff reviewed proposal against the criteria outlined in
the RFP. Three proposals moved into the presentation and interview stage as per the RFP
evaluation process.
Following the competitive procurement process, the recommended proponent, KPMG,
demonstrated strong qualifications, a tailored methodology, and a deep understanding of
Pickering’s strategic context. The strategy will be developed through a phased approach,
including background review, stakeholder engagement, strategy development, and
presentation to Council. The final deliverables will include a comprehensive plan with
actionable recommendations, performance metrics, and alignment with municipal, regional,
and national priorities.
Staff seek Council’s acceptance of the highest scoring proposal, submitted by KPMG, for
Request for Proposal No. RFP2025-17 and approval to award consulting services to KPMG in
the amount of $97,465.00 (net HST) or $108,230,27 (HST included) to prepare a new
Corporate Economic Development Strategic Plan (2026-2030) for the City of Pickering.
Relationship to the Pickering Strategic Plan: The recommendations in this report respond
to the Pickering Strategic Plan Priority of Champion Economic Leadership & Innovation.
Financial Implications:
1.Proposal Amount
Proposal $95,779.00
HST (13%) $12,451.27
Total Gross Proposal Cost $108,230.27
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2.Estimated Project Costing Summary
Proposal $95,779.00
HST (13%) $12,451.27
Total Gross Proposal Cost $108,230.27
HST Rebate (11.24%) ($10,765.56)
Total Net Project Cost $97,464.71
3.Approved Source of Funds -Operating Budget
Approved Code
10050.502230
10050.502230
Source of Funds
Rate Stabilization Reserve
Property Tax
Approved Budget
$95,531.00
$1,934.00
Required
$95,531.00
$1,934.00
TOTAL $97,465.00 $97,465.00
Discussion: The purpose of this report is to award of Proposal No. RFP2025-17 to KPMG
for the development of a new Corporate Economic Development Strategic Plan (2026–2030)
for the City of Pickering.
The City of Pickering is developing a new Corporate Economic Development Strategic Plan
(2026-2030) in response to significant changes in market conditions, infrastructure
investments, and regional and national economic dynamics. This updated strategy builds on
the foundation of the 2022 Economic Development Strategy, developed by EBP US Inc., which
has successfully guided the City’s economic development efforts over the past three years.
The 2022 plan advanced key initiatives including the Innovation Corridor, targeted marketing
and investment attraction efforts, the launch of the Small Business Hub, a formal business site
visit program, enhanced stakeholder coordination, and the promotion of tourism through
Destination Pickering. However, the economic landscape has evolved considerably, both
locally and nationally, since its adoption.
The City of Pickering is undergoing a period of transformative growth, driven by its strategic
location at the intersection of Toronto, York Region, and Durham Region. Pickering is
advancing major infrastructure, economic development, and residential initiatives that position
it as one of Ontario’s fastest-growing municipalities. Key projects include the development of
Seaton and Northeast Pickering, and the Pickering City Centre redevelopment. The City is also
benefiting from significant investments in energy, transportation and healthcare, including the
announcement of post-acute care hospital, and the expansion of broadband and transit
networks. Cultural and tourism assets such as Durham Live, featuring the Porsche Experience
Centre, further enhance Pickering’s appeal. These developments, supported by strategic
partnerships and utility servicing expansions, are creating a dynamic environment for business,
innovation, and community life.
Moreover, the refurbishment of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station represents one of
Ontario’s most substantial infrastructure investments over the next decade. This multi-year
project will extend the life of a critical clean energy asset, create thousands of high-skilled jobs,
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and catalyze regional economic growth by attracting new businesses and increasing demand
for housing, services, and infrastructure. Similarly, the recent review of the Federal Pickering
Lands presents a rare opportunity to unlock a key site in the central GTA. These lands offer
immense potential for a variety of uses including employment, innovation, agriculture, tourism,
and investment. Together, these developments are reshaping Pickering’s economic landscape
and reinforcing its role as a hub for innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
The City’s previous strategy, developed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, focused on
recovery and resilience. However, the current economic climate presents new challenges,
particularly related to global trade dynamics and tariff-related risks that impact local supply
chains and investment decisions. To remain competitive and inclusive in a rapidly evolving
global economy, the City must now pivot toward strategies that strengthen supply chain
resilience, support trade diversification, and enable intelligent city planning. Ultimately, the goal
is to build a strong, resilient, and economically viable city for businesses and residents who
choose to live, work, and thrive in Pickering.
On August 22, 2025, the City issued RFP2025-17 for a Corporate Economic Development
Strategy. The purpose of this request for consulting services is to prepare an actionable and
measurable strategy that enables the City to:
• build and sustain collaborative partnerships with stakeholders involved in enhancing the
City’s economy;
• review and enhance economic development initiatives including workforce
development, business expansion and retention and investment attraction;
• further develop and elevate the Invest Pickering brand including identifying high-impact
marketing and digital engagements strategies;
• assess economic risks and implement strategies to enhance resilience;
• undertake sector development and provide targeted support activities;
• develop framework to create and support small business and entrepreneurs in
collaboration with community stakeholders; and
• identify marketing opportunities for Pickering’s shovel ready land inventory.
A bid advertisement was placed on the City’s bids&tenders’ webpage and promoted on social
media platforms. The RFP closed on September 12, 2025, with five proposals received. An
evaluation committee composed of City Staff reviewed proposal against the criteria outlined in
the RFP. Three proposals moved into the presentation and interview stage as per the RFP
evaluation process.
Following a competitive procurement process, KPMG was selected as the successful
proponent for RFP2025-17, having submitted the highest-scoring proposal to lead the
development of the new strategy. KPMG is one of the world’s largest professional services
firms, with a presence in 143 countries and a strong Canadian footprint through 46 offices. Its
Canadian Public Sector Practice, comprising over 300 professionals, brings extensive
expertise in municipal economic development, infrastructure advisory, and stakeholder
engagement.
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KPMG’s proposal reflects a strong understanding of Pickering’s strategic priorities and
anticipated growth. Their team brings significant experience in crafting economic development
strategies for rapidly evolving municipalities, with a proven track record that includes work with
the Cities of Mississauga, Hamilton, and the Niagara Region. Their methodology combines
comprehensive economic analysis, detailed sector profiling, and inclusive stakeholder
engagement, all supported by proprietary analytical tools.
The final deliverables will consist of a comprehensive plan outlining strategic goals, actionable
implementation steps, performance metrics, and alignment with municipal, regional, and
federal priorities.
Staff recommend awarding consulting services to prepare the City’s new Corporate Economic
Development Strategic Plan (2026-2030) to KPMG, in the amount of $97,465.00 (net HST) or
$108,230.27 (HST included), to equip the City with a forward-looking, data-driven strategy that
fosters sustainable economic growth, enhances competitiveness, and positions Pickering as a
leading destination for investment and innovation.
Attachments: None.
Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By:
Original Signed By: Original Signed By:
Hanif Thakor Fiaz Jadoon, Ec.D., CEcD, MPM, B.COMM
Senior Officer, Economic Development & Director, Economic Development &
Strategic Projects Strategic Projects
Original Signed By John Original Signed By:Kavaratzis for:
Cathy Bazinet, CPPB, NIG-CPP Stan Karwowski, MBA, CPACMA
Manager Procurement Director, Finance & Treasurer
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HT:la
Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering City Council
Original Signed By:
Marisa Carpino, M.A.
Chief Administrative Officer