Economicin Pick D S T O R Y B Y: Lois Tuffin | P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F : City of Pickering
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here are ample reasons why residents choose Pickering to work, play, and grow.
The City aims to build on this momentum to see even more vital Pickering is invested in a number of transformational projects, businesses and services including areas like its waterfront, downtown, and the innovation to complement the corridor.Itisaordablewhilestilloeringaccesstostateof-growth the- in expected art amenities, a mix of small, local businesses yet also all major City Centre, Fiaz adds. retail and franchises. “Pickering is Just ask Fiaz Jadoon, the Director of Economic Development and experiencing significant Strategic Projects. growth and it is important that we He is particularly excited and passionate about the potential continuously evolve and arising from the redevelopment of Pickering’s City Centre. adapt to the needs of our community,” Fiaz says. “It will revitalize the core of Pickering and create a major hub in the Greater Toronto Area,” he says. “Pickering’s City Centre is undergoing a bold transformation that will see an exciting array of new, state-of-theart buildings and municipal facilities.” This $200M development alone will add a performing arts centre, a relocated and expanded central library, a combined seniors’ and youth centre, three condominium towers, a hotel, and a vibrant public square. The development will complement the existing transportation hub at the heart of a vibrant, connected, and engaged community. The project arises from a partnership with OPB Realty Inc. and focuses on the land on the east side of the mall and immediately south of The Esplanade South. Demolition of the east side of the mall has been completed as the next phase takes shape.
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Fiaz Jadoon, Director of Economic Development and Strategic Projects.
“Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, we witnessed a lot of businesses deeply struggle and we look forward to the next phase,” he says. “We are proud of the ‘shop local’ and community support from businesses and residents. We are also happy to see all the investments and new businesses that opened in the community during the pandemic. They are a testament that the City of Pickering is the place to be.” Pickering saw more than $600M in construction value in 2020 and is on track to see similar results in 2021. Even bigger things arecoming,Fiazadds,sincemanygreenfieldanddevelopment opportunities still abound within its borders. For example, the Innovation Corridor, located along Highway 7 and 407, has more than 800 acres of prestige employment lands.
