Your City Pickering | Issue 1 2025 by Graymatter Marketing + Media

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Jim Seyers Senior Portfolio Manager 905-420-3431 | jim.seyers@rbc.com www.jimseyers.ca 1315 Pickering Parkway, Suite 700 Pickering, ON L1V 7G5

Pickering, ON L1V 7G5

A Message from Your City Pickering’s Publishing Team

As we bring you the latest edition of Your City Pickering, I want to begin by thanking you—our readers. Your support and engagement mean everything. This magazine is a true labour of love, funded entirely by advertising, at no cost to taxpayers. In today’s climate, that kind of financial transparency really matters.

We’re also incredibly grateful to our advertisers. Your belief in our mission is what brings these pages to life—celebrating local businesses, sharing stories, and showcasing the spirit of Pickering. We truly couldn’t do it without you.

While the world around us continues to face uncertainty, community and compassion remain our strongest anchors. Being good neighbours—listening, supporting, and lifting each other up—is what makes Pickering so special.

This year marks 25 years since Pickering officially became a city—a milestone that speaks to both our progress and our potential. I’m thankful to Mayor Ashe and City Council for their leadership, and proud to call Pickering home.

It’s also a personal milestone—15 years since I founded Graymatter Marketing and Media right here in the city. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been deeply rewarding to build something with purpose, rooted in community.

Thank you for reading, for supporting local, and for being part of this amazing journey with us.

Audra Leslie

Audra Leslie, Publisher of Your City Pickering & Owner of Graymatter Media

Letter from the Editor

On behalf of Mayor Ashe, Members of Council, Pickering’s CAO, and staff, we are thrilled to present you with the latest edition of Your City magazine.

When we first launched this magazine back in 2019, we committed to providing our readers with an engaging, vibrant, polished, and elegant sensory experience. This meant ensuring that we have sufficient advertising revenues in place to fund the design, lay out, production, and distribution of this magazine.

For this reason, we sincerely thank our valued corporate partners and advertisers for their continued confidence in Pickering. Our cover story features FGF Brands, a family-owned technology company that became the largest producer of premium baked goods in North America. We hope you enjoy their inspiring story of family, vision, and innovation - and how they look to become Pickering’s largest employer.

Be sure to read about the brand-new Jerry Coughlan Health & Wellness Centre (JCHWC), where the City of Pickering is investing $250,000 to support Lakeridge Health’s Base Hospital. The JCHWC features a state-of-the-art Surgical Centre with four operating rooms, projected to complete over 9,000 day surgeries annually. Additionally, it offers vital community care services, including urgent care, and access to specialist physicians, mental health programs, diagnostic imaging, and laboratory services,

These two stories provide just a glimpse of the amazing things happening in our city. We invite you to explore the entire magazine to learn more about the exciting initiatives, projects, and achievements that have earned Pickering the honour of being named one of “Canada’s Most Livable Cities” by The Globe and Mail for two consecutive years. While we are very proud to have received this national recognition, I can confidently say that these are just the early days of Pickering’s bright and prosperous future. Stay tuned!

Mark Guinto, Division Head, Public Affairs & Corporate Communications, City of Pickering

Editorial Note

Greetings from Your City Council

Contact City Council: 905.420.4605 • council@pickering.ca

While everything about Ward 1 is special, one of my favourite places is the Rotary Frenchman’s Bay West Waterfront. This beautiful area referred to as an “environmental classroom,” is where I go to relax and enjoy a walk along the exquisite natural trails. I often enjoy nature best here by sighting many beautiful butterflies, enjoying the tranquil sounds of water splashing on the shores, listening to the chirps of different birds, and hearing the whistling winds during a peaceful and sombre night. There is nowhere else I’d rather be.

Home Place, located in Alex Robertson Park, is one of my favourite spots. The park features unique carvings by renowned Pickering artist, Dorsey James. My favourite area is the “Area of Enchantment,” a magical wooded trail filled with hidden faces of elves, fairies, and nymphs, all leading to “The Portal,” a striking hydro pole arrangement symbolizing personal and community growth. Dorsey’s designs reflect diverse time periods, cultures, and beliefs, creating an inclusive space for reflection. Alex Robertson Park spans 48 acres within the 134-acre hydro marsh, an essential habitat for waterfowl and a Monarch Butterfly monitoring station, preserving the delicate wetlands at Duffin’s Creek.

My wife, Brenda, and I love to walk the wonderful trails and beaches we have in Pickering. One of our favourite walks is along West Duffins Creek between Valley Farm Road and Elizabeth Street sometimes I am on my bike along the paved portion east of Valley Farm Road enjoying the view of the Creek. When walking my daughter’s border collie, Timber, we prefer walking the naturalized levee east of Brock Road along the Creek through the wooded area and then north through the tranquil valley on the TransCanada Trail as the paths connect to the Urfé and Gandatsetiagon Creeks. We call it the ‘Beaver Trail’ as we sometimes see them in the water or the evidence of their work.

David Pickles | Regional Councillor, Ward 3

Linda Cook | Regional Councillor, Ward 2

Maurice Brenner | Regional Councillor, Ward 1

Your Pickering Councillors were asked to highlight their favorite go-to spots in their Wards. Here’s what they had to say about the standout places that make their communities special.

The cenotaph at City Hall is one of my favorite places in Pickering. It is a powerful symbol of our veterans’ sacrifices, honouring the freedoms they fought to protect. For me, it stands as a testament to courage, resilience, and the cost of democracy. As a councillor, I am committed to defending these values, ensuring we honour those who served. Flying the veterans’ flag from Remembrance Day to November’s end reflects our duty to remember and uphold these freedoms.

I think my go-to spot has to be Nautical Village and the waterfront. Whether it’s heading down on a chilly fall day with a friend, grabbing a coffee from OpenStudio, and wandering down to the lighthouse in the late afternoon to enjoy the crispness of the air and watch the sun streak across the sky as we chat, or in the late spring to take in that first warm day of the year by feeling the heat of the sun on your face, lying in the grass in Progress Park, before digging into a picnic from Big M’s, there’s nothing quite like it!

One of my favourite places to visit in Ward 3 is the Pickering Museum Village. It is a remarkable destination in our great city and will be cherished for generations to come. It’s not just a place where history is preserved, it’s where history comes to life. Walking through the village, one can’t help but feel transported back in time, gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation for the pioneers who shaped our incredible community. It’s a place where families, school groups, and history enthusiasts can interact with the past in an experiential and meaningful way.

Mara Nagy | City Councillor, Ward 2

Shaheen Butt | City Councillor, Ward 3

Lisa Robinson | City Councillor, Ward 1

Generation for Generations

Pickering Nuclear Generating Station can continue producing safe, reliable energy for Ontario by delivering another world-class refurbishment project* for the benefit of generations to come.

*Pending regulatory approval

Refurbishing Pickering will help:

• Secure more than 2,100 MW of reliable, clean low-carbon nuclear power for Ontario for another 30-plus years.

• Power approximately two million homes and businesses across Ontario, safely and reliably.

• Maintain and secure highly skilled jobs.

• Create significant economic impact of more than $19 billion over the refurbishment period in Durham Region and across the province.

Mayor Kevin Ashe MESSAGE FROM

Dear Friends,

It’s hard to believe we’ve already passed the halfway mark of this term of Council. Since being sworn in as your Mayor in 2022, I’ve been deeply humbled and honoured by your ongoing support. What has truly inspired me, though, is the shared passion we all have for our community, which informs and influences everything we do.

In this latest issue of Your City magazine, we’re excited to showcase the remarkable progress we’re making, and to highlight the forward-looking initiatives that are shaping Pickering’s future.

As Pickering continues to grow and evolve, our vision for a dynamic, inclusive, and prosperous city is being recognized. For two consecutive years, The Globe and Mail has named Pickering one of Canada’s most livable cities - a testament to our commitment to building a community where people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities can thrive. With our first corporate strategic plan guiding us, we are creating a place where living, working, and playing come together seamlessly, making Pickering a city we are proud to call home.

One of the most visible signs of this transformation will be the revitalization of our city centre. This exciting redevelopment will bring new housing opportunities, office development, retail, restaurants, and a signature hotel to our downtown. This new and bustling downtown core, anchored by City Hall, The Shops at Pickering City Centre, and the future City Centre Park, will redefine urban and sustainable living.

Job creation has always been one of my top priorities, and I am proud to see new and innovative companies choosing Pickering to establish and/or expand their operations.

Beyond strengthening our local economy, these businesses help ease the burden on residential taxpayers while creating more opportunities for residents to work closer to home. In this latest issue, FGF Brands is featured on the cover. Theirs is an inspiring success story of growth and investment that will bring 5,000 new jobs to our city. I encourage you to read more about their incredible journey and the overwhelmingly positive impact they will have on Pickering.

Achieving our full potential as a city will require strong partnerships with community leaders, like-minded agencies, and all levels of government. That’s why I’m asking my provincial and federal colleagues for a tri-party funding agreement that would help us acquire Frenchman’s Bay, the shimmering jewel of our waterfront - returning it to the public realm and permanently safeguarding it from unwanted development.

As Pickering continues to evolve into a complete, world-class city, I encourage you to stay informed, get involved, and share your ideas along the way. Together, we are building a vibrant, inclusive, and future-focused city - one that reflects the dreams and aspirations of those who live, work, play, and invest here.

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to our shared vision for Pickering.

One System. Best Health.

Durham Region’s Newest Health-Care Facility Brings More Care Closer to Home

Lakeridge Health’s Jerry Coughlan Health & Wellness Centre is a one-stop-shop for comprehensive health-care services and makes same-day surgeries possible for Durham Region residents.

Other services include:

Extensive diagnostic imaging services;

A state-of-the-art Surgical Centre with four operating rooms to allow for more same-day, specialized surgeries such as shoulder, gynecology and plastics;

Family medicine and urgent care services; and

Medical laboratory services.

For Durham Region residents, the Jerry Coughlan Health & Wellness Centre means quicker, reliable, and comfortable health-care services closer to home.

Visit www.lh.ca to learn more.

Special thanks to City of Pickering for investing in the Jerry Coughlan Health & Wellness Centre and helping to enhance access to much-needed health-care services for residents in Durham Region.

Testimonials

Patient

"I was truly impressed with the care I received at the Jerry Coughlan Health & Wellness Centre. The team made me feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the process. When I woke up from my surgery, their attentiveness and warmth helped to make this such a great experience.”

- Anita Colaco, first surgical patient at the Jerry Coughlan Health & Wellness Centre Volunteers

“Volunteering at the Jerry Coughlan Health & Wellness Centre was an easy decision for my mom and I, having grown up in the area. The Centre's bright, open spaces and large windows make it a welcoming place that patients consistently admire.”

– Anika Jain

“It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of a team that enhances the well-being of our community, providing care, comfort, and positivity where it’s needed most.” – Anjali Jain

REMEMBERING

Pickering’s Pets through

a new memorial program

Community members can now honour their pets through Pickering’s Pet Memorial Program by getting a personalized plaque permanently displayed along the fence within the leash-free area of Dunmoore Park.

This program was inspired by a heartfelt delegation from Julia, who advocated on behalf of her brother Ray, a Pickering resident. Ray had recently lost his dog Ricky, and Julia expressed how meaningful it would be for Ray to have a place to memorialize him.

As soon as the program launched, Ray’s plaque for Ricky was the first to be installed – a true full circle moment.

“People can form an incredible bond with their pets, and they become our family,” said Lindsey Narraway, Supervisor, Animal Services. “Losing them can be extremely painful and this program gives community members a unique opportunity to memorialize their pet and pay tribute to this special relationship in an exceptional way. We are proud to offer such a touching program.”

Visit pickering.ca/commemorate to learn more.

Canine Activity Area

Pickering has the ultimate playground for you and your furry friends!

Located in the leash-free section of Dunmoore Park, this area is comprised of 10 activity stations that guide owners and their dogs through a number of fun exercises to build both skills and endurance.

Each station has step-by-step instructions, and a QR code that can be scanned to watch demonstration videos.

Unleash the adventure –visit pickering.ca/CanineActivityArea to learn more.

Community Safety

Fire stations and fire services staff are an essential part of every community. They provide critical services that help to keep us safe and secure, and play an important role in community outreach and education.

When they’re not responding to emergencies, training, or conducting critical inspections and investigations, our Fire Services staff can often be spotted throughout Pickering’s neighbourhoods, businesses, community organizations, and classrooms, offering programs and events centered on public education and awareness.

Our Fire Services team is dedicated to preserving life, property, and the environment. Keeping community members safe remains the Department’s number one priority!

Did you know that Pickering has five fire halls, strategically located throughout the community?

In fact, our new Headquarters, a 21,000-square-foot facility that opened in 2023, is located near the vibrant and developing community of Seaton. This location allows us to ensure effective response times, and fire prevention and protection services, to keep the infrastructure and residents of our growing community safe.

Pickering Fire Station Locations

• Headquarters Fire Station #1 – 1700 Zents Drive

• Station #2 – 553 Kingston Road

• Station #4 – 4941 Old Brock Road

• Station #5 – 1616 Bayly Street

• Station #6 – 1115 Finch Avenue

Public Fire Hall Tours

Pickering Fire Services offers station tours for local community groups and organizations – which provides an immersive experience that encompasses views of the trucks, equipment, and station apparatus, as well as a comprehensive overview of the crucial role firefighters play within the community.

Public Education Programs

Fire Prevention staff deliver an assortment of public education activities, including:

• Presentations (fire safety in the workplace, home alone awareness, babysitter safety awareness, fire extinguisher training, and more)

• Fire truck visits

These activities can be coordinated by visiting pickering.ca/FirePrevention

Supporting Local

Charities

Pickering Fire Services and the Pickering Professional Firefighters Association (PPFA) host a Boot Drive each year, accepting cash donations for local charities, such as Ajax Pickering Hospital Foundation, St. Paul’s on-the-Hill Community Food Bank, Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-West Durham, and the Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 606.

In 2024, $18,000 was raised - a testament to the unwavering support from community members.

Community Engagement

Whether through pop-ups or door-to-door campaigns, Pickering Fire Services ensures meaningful interactions with residents, fostering discussions around the importance of fire prevention, working smoke alarms, escape planning, and overall fire safety.

Furthermore, Pickering Fire Services maintains an interactive page on the City’s digital community engagement platform, Let’s Talk Pickering, offering an easy way for community members to connect with the Department. Users can submit their fire-related inquiries and access valuable resources. Visit LetsTalkPickering.ca/ PickeringFire to learn more.

What you need to know about fires in Pickering:

• Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in Pickering

• Structure fires cause millions of dollars in damages each year

• 87% of structure fires occur in residential buildings

Meet the Leadership Team

Jason Yoshida Deputy Fire Chief

Steve Boyd Fire Chief

Nigel Robinson Deputy Fire Chief

So mu to Z

This is YOUR Toronto Zoo, Pickering! When is the last time you visited?

Discover how YOU can become a Guardian of Wild!

Discover how YOU can become a

Plan your visit today at torontozoo.com year-round!

Plan your visit today at year-round! So mu to Z

Open 365 days a year, the Toronto Zoo is your year-round destination for adventure! Meet nearly 3,000 animals, explore 10km of trails, ﬁve tropical pavilions, Splash Island - a seasonal 2-acre splash pad, rides, and more!

Open 365 days a year, the Toronto Zoo is your year-round destination for Meet nearly 3,000 animals, explore 10km of trails, ﬁve tropical pavilions, Splash Island - a seasonal 2-acre splash pad, rides, and more!

Shaping Pickering Major Projects

Each year during the budget process, the City prioritizes key investments in service delivery, programs, and infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of its growing community.

Seaton Recreation Complex & Library

Preparation is underway to bring a brand-new recreation complex and library to Pickering!

This new facility will help meet both the immediate and future needs of Pickering’s growing community, and represent the first multipurpose recreation complex built in Pickering in over 40 years.

The range of amenities may include:

Pickering’s Future Gathering Place: City Centre Park

A brand-new urban park is coming to the heart of our city, designed to be a vibrant, welcoming space where residents can gather, celebrate, and connect. Located on the west side of Glenanna Road, across from the Pickering Civic Complex, City Centre Park is set to become a dynamic destination for all ages.

Imagine a place where families can enjoy a splash in a beautiful water feature on warm summer days, friends can lace up their skates for outdoor winter fun, and the community can come together for exciting events all year round. These features - and more - are being considered as part of the park’s design, ensuring it becomes a true hub of activity, recreation, and enjoyment.

We’re currently in the concept design phase and residents can learn more and participate in future feedback opportunities at LetsTalkPickering.ca/ CityCentre

1. Aquatics Centre (with 25-metre pool and separate warm water leisure pool)

2. Gymnasium

3. Fitness Centre and Studios

4. Full Service Library (with collections, Maker Space, printing centre, small meeting rooms, teen area, children’s area, and work/study spaces)

5. Multi-purpose Program Rooms

6. 2-pad Arena

7. Walking Track

8. Support Spaces (e.g., lobby, change rooms, office space, storage)

9. Outdoor Spaces (e.g., destination playground, splash pad, sport courts)

Thank you to everyone who provided their input and feedback on the facility design options.

Subscribe to our project page, LetsTalkPickering.ca/Seaton for news, timelines, and alerts for opportunities to participate.

Pickering Heritage & Community Centre

The City has started work on a new, 44,000 sq. ft. facility that will celebrate Pickering’s rich heritage by bringing together Museum, Library, and Community Centre into one dynamic space.

This facility, anticipated to open in 2026, will be located on the upper site of the Pickering Museum Village.

The innovative design is a collaborative effort between City staff, Hariri Pontarini Architects, and community members who shared valuable input.

Amenities will include:

• An exhibit gallery

• Library spaces, including a Local History Experience Centre and the Library Express Kiosk

• Program room

• Multi-purpose hall (with a stage)

• Kitchen suitable for public programs

• Storage for the museum artifact collection (over 11,000 artifacts), City’s archives, and the Public Library’s local history collection

• Gift shop

• Outdoor program spaces (with an art garden and patio)

Cultural spaces are part of the foundation that creates healthy, vibrant communities where visitors can discover our diverse heritage and learn more about who we are. 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.

Accessible playgrounds

Staff have recently completed all scheduled accessibility upgrades to a number of Pickering playgrounds.

These enhancements will foster a more inclusive environment, enriching the experiences and opportunities available within our public spaces.

The following nine parks have been updated with universally designed playground features:

• Erin Gate Park

• Rouge Valley Park

• Sunbird Trail Park

• David Farr Memorial Park

• Bonita Park

• Lynn Heights Park

• Brock Ridge Community Park

• Clearside Park

• S.M. Woodsmere Park

In addition to these retrofits, four playgrounds have been reconstructed with accessibility features, including rubber safety surfacing, accessible walkways, site furniture, safety railings and/or fencing, and play equipment that is compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA):

• St. Mary Park

• Forestbrook Park

• Progress Frenchman’s Bay East Park

• Southcott Park Beachfront Park

The City is moving forward with the reconstruction of Beachfront Park.

The park sustained significant damage from high-water levels and intense storm events in 2017/2019, and the boardwalk (part of the Waterfront Trail), was damaged beyond repair and subsequently removed in 2020.

A Park Rehabilitation and Needs Assessment Study was completed in 2021, along with community, staff, and TRCA consultation, resulting in several design options.

Council has endorsed a preferred design option, which will include an elevated walking and cycling path across the beach to reconnect the waterfront trail, viewing platforms overlooking Hydro Marsh, and more.

Construction is currently underway and expected to be complete by summer 2025.

July 2017

Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding

Veridian Corporation and Whitby Hydro Energy Corporation announce that they have reached the first milestone in merger evaluations with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.

June 2018

Shareholders Approve Proposed Merger

All five municipal shareholders of Veridian Corporation and Whitby Hydro Energy Corporation approve a proposed merger between the two companies to create a new energy corporation.

FIVE YEARS OF PROGRESS & INNOVATION

This year, Elexicon Energy celebrates its fifth anniversary, marking a half-decade of steadfast commitment to reliable, innovative, and community-focused energy solutions. Born from the 2019 merger of Veridian Corporation and Whitby Hydro Energy Corporation, Elexicon is creating a brighter future for residents and businesses in the City of Pickering by embracing new innovative technologies.

Elexicon’s success in its first five years include: the completion of the Seaton Municipal Transformer Station (one of the only ones owned and operated by a local distribution company) which now provides electricity to more than 20,000 homes and businesses in the City of Pickering and Town of Ajax, a new Integrated Operations Control Centre to oversee the electrical grid in Durham Region and beyond, and countless community collaborations. Elexicon’s dedication to grid modernization, capacity building, and customer service are all

December 2018

Ontario Energy Board Approval

The Ontario Energy Board approves the proposed merger of Veridian Corporation and Whitby Hydro Energy Corporation.

January 2019

New Company Name Unveiled

Veridian Corporation and Whitby Hydro Energy Corporation unveil Elexicon Corporation and its subsidiaries, Elexicon Energy and Elexicon Group.

SUPPORTING THE CITY OF PICKERING’S BRIGHT FUTURE

Durham Region continues to be a beautiful place to live, and as more individuals and families take notice of the vibrant area, households are craving more electricity to power their electric vehicles and other home electrical upgrades. To meet the new electricity needs of the region, Elexicon built the Seaton Municipal Transformer Station and now will be adding additional feeders onto the newly built station. A second municipal transformer station is in the process of being planned and is expected to come online around 2031.

Elexicon is also supporting the rapid growth in Pickering around the city’s innovation corridor. An expansion is needed on two 27.6 kV circuits and planners within Elexicon have created a preliminary project plan for the expansion that is being shared with local industrial customers. Smart Centres in Pickering are thriving and Elexicon is enabling both the connection and expansion of building upgrades and new builds along Highway 407 and Whites Road.

Throughout Durham Region, the electricity company recently installed automated switches. These advanced, automated switches allow Elexicon’s team to respond more quickly and precisely to outages. When a disruption occurs, the automated switches can isolate the issue swiftly, reducing the number of affected customers and speeding up power restoration. This technology has proven invaluable, particularly during storms or peak usage times when outage response speed is critical.

PROACTIVE MAINTENANCE FOR LONG-TERM RESILIENCE

As part of its preventive maintenance strategy, Elexicon has prioritized regular maintenance initiatives across its service territory. These include planned replacements of aging pad-mounted transformers and poles. Such initiatives, though routine, are vital to maintaining uninterrupted service. Replacing older equipment enhances safety for residents and ensures system resilience in the long run. Through these consistent efforts, Elexicon has built a robust foundation for the electrical grid, reducing the likelihood of large-scale outages and helping avoid unexpected repairs.

April 2019

Elexicon Corporation and Subsidiaries are Formed

Veridian Corporation and Whitby Hydro Energy Corporation complete the closing of an agreement to merge the two companies to form Elexicon Corporation, the single shareholder of subsidiary corporations – Elexicon Energy and Elexicon Group.

CELEBRATING WITH THE COMMUNITY

To get the community involved in celebrating its five years, Elexicon planned free events from spring to fall including a series of sponsored swim times at pools throughout its service territory, two accessible activities were planned in collaboration with the Abilities Centre, and a series of skating events planned at arenas in Durham Region this Fall. Elexicon is also proud to be an on-going sponsor of the Kids’ Safety Village of Durham Region. An Elexicon employee and former linesperson visits to the village regularly to teach classes on electrical safety. The village has drop-in times for families to visit on certain days. Also worth celebrating, Elexicon’s annual charity golf tournament raised an astonishing $338,000 for local charities and community groups that are the backbones of their communities.

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE: ELEXICON’S NEXT FIVE YEARS

Looking forward, Elexicon aims to continue evolving, with a vision that encompasses sustainability, efficiency, and a customer-first approach. Part of this vision involves the integration of greener energy solutions, expanding the adoption of renewable energy sources and modernizing the grid to handle these clean alternatives. Additionally, Elexicon is exploring ways to empower its customers through advanced digital services that allow for better energy tracking and personalized service.

Customers in Pickering are already reaping the benefits of Elexicon’s progressive approach. Through infrastructure upgrades, cutting-edge automation, and rigorous maintenance, Elexicon is securing a brighter, more sustainable energy future for the communities. As Elexicon moves into its next phase, Durham Region can anticipate an ongoing commitment to exceptional service, innovative solutions, and a forward-thinking approach that not only supports but enhances the community’s quality of life.

For a deeper look at Elexicon’s journey and future initiatives, visit Elexicon’s 5-Year Anniversary Page.

WWW.5YEARS.ELEXICONENERGY.COM

Pickering’s Future PLANNING FOR

As Pickering grows, it is important that we undertake the necessary planning to ensure the City is adequately prepared.

Strategic planning gives our organization the structure to make day-to-day decisions and lead planning practices that follow a larger vision.

Establishing a direction for service delivery and identifying our overarching goals is critical in ensuring we continue to provide meaningful and high quality services to the residents, visitors, and businesses of Pickering.

Our mission at the City of Pickering is to provide meaningful municipal services to Pickering’s growing and diverse community…efficiently, effectively and responsibly.

This requires thoughtful and measured planning around opportunities for housing supply and diversity, economic development and job creation, key service and infrastructure investments, and dedicated community facilities and spaces.

We are guided by our Corporate Strategic Plan, which acts as a dynamic and evolving blueprint for Pickering’s future.

As with any important step in our goal to building a complete, world-class City, we invite you to learn more and get involved in the journey.

Corporate Strategic Plan (2024 - 2028)

Thank you to everyone who participated in the development of the City’s first Corporate Strategic Plan, which identifies a vision, goals, and key actions to be achieved over this term of Council and beyond.

The City’s Strategic Plan is built on a solid foundation of customer service excellence. Without good governance, it would be impossible for the City to deliver on the six strategic priorities identified in this Plan. Good governance (fiscal prudence, open and transparent decision making, customer focused programs, services and infrastructure that are accessible and inclusive of all) is key to building a complete, world-class City.

There are 88 action items within the Plan, and we are thrilled to report that significant progress has already been made on many of them. The City’s achievements to date, as directed by Pickering Council, are available online at: LetsTalkPickering.ca/ strategicplan.

IDEAS to Ensure Everyone Feels Valued, Secure,

and Empowered

In 2024, the City of Pickering approved its first-ever Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy. Developing this 10-year plan required significant time, effort, and collaboration, but the true challenge lies in its implementation over the next decade.

Since then, we recently realigned the existing staff positions of Accessibility Coordinator, and Community Safety & Well-Being Advisor to the EDI team, reaffirming our commitment to creating inclusive, equitable, accessible, and safe environments for all.

By adding Accessibility and Safety to our core tenets, we embrace IDEAS (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Safety) as a holistic approach to better convey our overarching goals for the organization and community.

The scope of IDEAS encompasses more than just supporting a handful of equity-seeking groups. It extends to addressing a wide range of barriers related to sexism, ableism, and other forms of discrimination, ensuring a more comprehensive and inclusive approach.

We recognize that there are challenges to address. Vocal critics on social media claim that equity policies and programs are divisive. However, these attacks, often fueled by misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric, may actually create the very division they claim to oppose. They can stir up anger and community discord, leading to a self-fulfilling cycle of increasing polarization.

For example, critics push a false narrative that equity efforts prioritize diversity over merit. The reality is that equity is not about hiring unqualified individuals or lowering standards. It’s about encouraging our businesses and workplaces to acknowledge the systemic barriers that have historically limited opportunities for many.

Pickering’s approach to equity has always been rooted in openness and inclusivity. Our goal has never been to divide people; rather, we are reaching out to bring more people together. Over the past few years, the City has undertaken meaningful initiatives that reflect our commitment to ensuring everyone feels seen, valued, and included.

For example, a mother of a child with disabilities addressed Council in 2023, advocating for accessible and inclusive playgrounds. She emphasized the importance of ensuring every child feels a sense of belonging. Moved by her delegation, the Mayor and Council unanimously agreed to make meaningful changes.

As a result, the City added accessible play features to nine neighbourhood parks. Additionally, four playgrounds were reconstructed with rubber surfacing, accessible walkways, inclusive furniture, and adaptive play equipment, compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). These upgrades foster a more inclusive environment, enriching experiences and opportunities within Pickering’s outdoor play spaces.

In addition, we are also promoting inclusivity through education and awareness. Recently, the City hosted a staff Lunch and Learn workshop on American Sign Language (ASL), encouraging participants to reflect on their assumptions about Deaf culture. The workshop provided practical communication tips and taught useful ASL signs and phrases, helping to bridge gaps in understanding and accessibility.

Further, honouring Red Dress Day each year is another critical step in addressing gender-based violence and the disproportionate harm faced by Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people. This day serves as a stark reminder of how systemic racism and gender inequality amplify vulnerability and as a call to action to end these injustices.

In a world where division is sometimes sought, we choose unity. Through our IDEAS program, we will champion policies and actions that foster a sense of belonging, connection, safety, and understanding so that everyone in Pickering, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, or background is embraced and empowered to thrive.

In a world where entrepreneurship meets innovation, few stories stand out as vibrantly as that of FGF Brands.

Founded by the Ajmera family, this Canadian baking powerhouse has risen from humble beginnings to redefine the food manufacturing industry. Now, with the construction of a major food campus underway in Pickering, the Ajmeras are not only shaping the future of their company, but also contributing significantly to the growth and sustainability of the city itself.

The story of FGF Brands is deeply rooted in family. Brothers Ojus and Tejus Ajmera co-founded the company with their father, Sam, in 2004. As remains today, their father fueled them with inspiration, drive, ambition and the desire to produce affordable high-quality products for all to enjoy. Like all great origin stories, theirs began modestly. It all started in the family kitchen with a single product: Naan bread.

Armed with just an idea (albeit a killer idea), they engineered specialty technology to produce naan on large scale while maintaining the authenticity and taste profile of their family recipe. It was a perilous journey. Not only did they have a prototype oven literally blow up, but they also went all in by investing their family’s life savings into the project. Taking these types of risks can be scary, but when you have unshakeable confidence in both the product and the technology, it’s not actually a reckless gamble. Rather, it’s more like a bold and determined leap of faith.

And like former coach of the NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Bruce Arians, used to say, “No risk it, no biscuit.” Well, the Bucs ended up winning the SuperBowl. The Ajmeras? They became North America’s largest baker of premium goods.

From the beginning, they set out with a bold vision of revolutionizing the food manufacturing industry. Namely, they envisioned a “tech-first bakery,” leveraging cutting-edge technology, automation, data analytics, and sustainable practices to transform centuries-old traditions. While the name FGF Brands may not be immediately recognizable, their products are household staples in Canada and beyond. From the pillowy goodness of Stonefire Naan to the nostalgic comfort of Wonder Bread, their brands have become synonymous with quality, flavour, value, and family.

The Ajmera family’s decision to build their state-of-the-art campus in Pickering is a natural extension of their vision. Pickering, with its strategic location, skilled workforce, and forward-thinking leadership, has become a magnet for companies seeking growth and innovation. For FGF Brands, it was the perfect match. Tejus explains, “Pickering just felt right to us. The City’s openness to new ideas and its commitment to fostering business development align with our own values.”

Ojus adds, “We’re excited to not only grow our company here, but also to contribute to the community in meaningful ways.” Years before the anticipated opening of its Pickering campus, FGF Brands has already helped to support many Pickering and Durham-based organizations and charities such as the Jerry Coughlan Health and Wellness Centre, Wounded Warriors, Girls Inc. of Durham, Make-A-Wish Canada, and St. Paul’s on-the-Hill Community Food Bank.

Once fully built out, the Wonderbrands Business Innovation Park will be a transformative addition to the city, becoming one

of Pickering’s largest employers and offering over a thousand highly skilled, well-paying jobs.

Pickering Mayor, Kevin Ashe says, “We’re thrilled to welcome FGF Brands to Pickering. Its deep-rooted commitment to family values and innovation aligns with our own vision for a strong, inclusive, and connected community. Their decision to invest here reflects our shared belief in fostering opportunities where businesses can thrive, and families can flourish.”

Mayor Ashe jokes, “I’ll have to be careful not to visit the FGF campus too often. The Ajmeras are so generous with their delicious pastries and treats. It will take some serious willpower to resist all that fresh-baked goodness!”

As the steel framework of the Wonderbrands Innovation Business Park rises in Pickering’s burgeoning Innovation Corridor, it represents more than just bricks and mortar. It’s also a testament to the power of family, faith, and fearless ambition. It’s what transformed an old-world recipe into a billion-dollar enterprise that’s redefining modern food production in North America and beyond.

The Ajmera family’s choice of Pickering speaks volumes. Despite being neighbour to the country’s largest metropolis, Pickering has been able to cultivate its own distinct and vibrant identity. It isn’t following anyone’s footsteps; it’s forging its own path. This type of confidence resonates with the Ajmeras. In choosing Pickering, they have found a kindred spirit - a municipal partner with a shared ambition for greatness and prosperity with an underlying commitment to community and sustainability.

Pickering’s

Growth Journey

Pickering is anticipated to experience significant growth and transformation.

In fact, Pickering is slated to be the fastest growing municipality in the Region and have the second largest population in the Region by 2051.

In 2021, Pickering had a reported 99,186 residents, 33,425 households (Statistics Canada), and 39,310 jobs (Envision Durham). By the year 2051, Pickering’s population, number of households, and jobs will more than double.

Meeting the needs of our growing community requires thoughtful and measured planning around opportunities for housing supply and diversity, dedicated community facilities and spaces, key service and infrastructure investments, and economic development and job creation.

Ontario’s Housing Goals

It is also important to note that Pickering must do its share to support the Province of Ontario’s housing goals. Ontario has set a goal of building at least 1.5 million homes by 2031 and has assigned the province’s 50 largest municipalities with specific housing targets to reach this goal. To support this initiative, the province has established the $1.2 billion Building Faster Fund, which rewards municipalities that reach at least 80% of their annual target with funding. The City of Pickering has received $5.2M in funding for exceeding its 2023 housing target.

The City of Pickering recognizes the Government’s ongoing efforts to address Ontario’s housing crisis and continues to work towards these shared goals.

Furthermore, it is important that we build a range of housing types to accommodate a variety of interests and residents at all stages of life. From first-time homeowners and young families, to singles and those planning their retirement years here – Pickering can be a preferred choice for many.

Development in Pickering

Development proposals can take months or even years to go through the rigorous planning process. The City is mandated to review all applications for new development in accordance with provincial, regional, and local policies. This review process is thorough and involves expert staff and City partners like the conservation authority, the Region of Durham, utility providers and local school boards. But most importantly, we also rely on you, the public, to provide important feedback and comments. The more that residents participate in the planning process, the more we are able to build a city that reflects our collective vision.

Official Plan Review

One of the most exciting planning exercises related to this growth is an Official Plan Review. Pickering is currently undergoing a review and update of its own Official Plan, known as Pickering Forward, and residents can follow this multi-year process and get involved throughout. This important exercise will set the framework for how the City will grow to 2051.

Learn more and subscribe to the project page to stay updated on future engagement opportunities and news: pickering.ca/PickeringForward

The future of Pickering’s City Centre

with Catherine Rose, Chief Planner

What is the vision for Pickering’s City Centre?

Pickering has long held a vision for a vibrant, walkable City Centre, focused on civic and municipal functions and residential intensification, creating a desirable place to live, work, shop, and gather. As a resident and employee of the City of Pickering (of over 40 years), specifically living within the City Centre neighbourhood, I am especially excited and proud to see us taking a bold step forward in realizing this vision.

In 2024, Council approved Phase One of the City Centre project, which consists of a new urban park, located on the west side of Glenanna Road, across from the Pickering Civic Complex. Funding for the City Centre park design was included in the 2024 budget, and construction and related costs will be included in the 2025-2033 Capital forecast. This 1.42 acre-space is envisioned to be a lively community gathering hub, and through the design process, an event space, a water feature, and an outdoor skating rink are being considered.

Phase Two of the City Centre project has been deferred to 2028, upon the completion of the Seaton Recreation Complex & Library. This phase will consist of a new Central Library and new Community Centre with dedicated seniors & youth spaces.

What is happening to the Pickering mall lands?

CentreCourt, a private developer, is building a 55-acre mixed use community on the existing mall and surrounding lands.

This development will introduce substantial residential, retail, commercial, and public spaces, alongside a completely reinvigorated Pickering Town Centre, now branded ‘The Shops at Pickering City Centre.’

This transformation, coupled with the new City Centre park, will reimagine Pickering’s downtown as a prosperous and inclusive space, making it more diverse, resilient, and vibrant. Furthermore, with thousands of new residents expected to call City Centre home, we can expect a number of exiting new opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment. In fact, Lululemon, the premium athletic apparel retailer, recently opened, and Sephora, the multinational retailer of personal care and beauty products, is one of the latest tenants to sign with the Shops at Pickering City Centre.

The importance of downtowns for cities

Downtowns play a vital role in economic and social development in cities around the world. Such an investment requires a multiyear process of significant site and infrastructure preparation that may result in delays and inconvenience for residents and visitors to the City Centre.

The staff project team will work with development partners to ensure clear and timely communications related to all service and route impacts due to construction, which is anticipated to start later this year.

As a resident of the City Centre myself, I understand that revitalization efforts will come with some level of disruption, but I am confident that the stakeholders will do everything in their power to mitigate it as much as possible. Together, we can look forward to a vibrant and thriving downtown that will be a source of pride and joy for generations to come.

IT’S ALL HAPPENING IN PICKERING

The City of Pickering is about to be on the map like never before Pickering has long been known for stunning postcard-like views within its borders: from Petticoat Creek Conservation Park and Rouge National Urban Park to the picturesque Nautical Village and the scenic Pickering Heritage Museum, you can see why so many television and ﬁlm projects seek to shoot in the area.

While all of those things remain a crucial part of the City’s culture as well as key tourist destinations, the opening of Pickering Casino Resort was transformative to the visitor landscape of Pickering.

With the 2023 addition of a new luxury hotel to the resort, the tourism offering has expanded signiﬁcantly in recent years. The Arena has featured acts such as Bryan Adams, Jann Arden, United Boxing Promotions ﬁght cards, and more. The City of Pickering has something for everyone.

With attractions such as the Porsche Experience Centre slated to open this summer, and future announcements still to come, the excitement is sure to grow.

The revitalization of Pickering’s downtown core remains one of the largest and most ambitious mixed-use development projects in Canada. Led by CentreCourt, this bold vision for a vibrant, connected, and walkable downtown will allow for residential intensiﬁcation while reinvigorating the City’s core for future generations.

Meanwhile, job creation progresses with the continous attraction of new businesses to the Innovation Corridor. As a result, the Province has announced widening of Highway 7 for better movement of goods and people.

For Pickering residents looking for new business and leisure opportunities, the next few years are sure to be exciting. To our visitors ready to experience the many facets of our beautiful city and its varied attractions, from the long established to the brand new –the City of Pickering welcomes you.

Rendering of City Centre

Our City turns 25: A Celebration of Pickering’s Past, Present & Future

A quarter-century ago, the dawn of a new millennium marked a defining moment in Pickering’s history. On January 1, 2000, our beloved community shed its former title as town, and proudly stepped onto the stage as a city.

With a bold vision and an eye toward the future, Pickering embraced its new identity as “Millennium City,” a title that reflected its ambitions, aspirations, and steadfast commitment to progress.

Today, as we celebrate 25 years of cityhood, we look back on a story of transformation - one rooted in resilience, innovation, and a deep sense of community. What was once a township with a small-town feel has blossomed into a thriving growth centre, balancing urban sophistication with rich historical charm.

From the shoreline of Lake Ontario to the lush greenspaces that frame our neighbourhoods, and all of the rich art, culture, bustling small businesses and lively entertainment in between, Pickering has evolved into a dynamic, world-class city that offers an unmatched quality of life for its residents.

From Town to Millennium City: The Journey of Pickering

The turn of the 21st century was a time of great anticipation and change. As Pickering rang in the year 2000, the front page of the Pickering News Advertiser declared, “You woke up in a city today.” It was more than a headline - it was a rallying call, a promise of what was to come.

Becoming a city wasn’t just a symbolic shift; it was a turning point that set the stage for intentional growth, forwardthinking policies, and ambitious projects that would shape Pickering into the vibrant community it is today. The newly minted “Millennium City” took its role seriously, laying the groundwork for an inclusive, connected, and prosperous future. And while the millennium may now be a distant memory, the foundation it established continues to guide Pickering’s journey.

Join the Celebration!

This year, Pickering invites all residents and visitors to join in the celebration of our City’s incredible journey and reflect on and share what makes Pickering such a remarkable place

to call home. Visit LetsTalkPickering.ca/Pickering25 to share your story. Whether it’s a favourite childhood memory, a stunning photo of our waterfront, or a story of personal connection to our city, your voice is part of Pickering’s legacy.

Looking Ahead: The Next 25 Years

As we honour our past and celebrate our present, we also set our sights on the future. Pickering’s vision is clear: to continue building a complete, world-class city - one that is inclusive, connected, caring, and prosperous. We are leaders in sustainable growth, thoughtful community planning, and fostering a culture of innovation. With every new development, every community initiative, and every milestone achieved, we reaffirm our commitment to the people who make Pickering extraordinary.

So, as we recognize this special milestone, let’s take a moment to appreciate how far we’ve come - and imagine all the possibilities that lie ahead.

Here’s to Pickering: a city built on history, fueled by ambition, and driven by the dreams of those who call it home.

Commemorative art banner - On the Path Forward by Taylor De Nobrega (2025)

Smart, Steady, and Strong

Pickering’s CAO Recognized for Outstanding Leadership

On February 13th, Ontario experienced its largest snowstorm of the season. For many students and families, they welcomed the snow day as an opportunity to stay safe indoors and enjoy the comfort and warmth of their homes. However, for Marisa Carpino, Pickering’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), it was anything but a day off. Up late the night before and early again that morning, she made critical, real-time decisions to ensure public safety and maintain essential municipal services. Managing weather emergencies is crucial, though fortunately, they are relatively rare. The vast majority of the time, the City’s focus is on delivering the facilities and services residents rely on. However, amidst the day-to-day business of the municipality, something wonderful is taking shape, like the unseen gears of a grand design.

At the heart of Pickering’s steady evolution, there’s a quiet force shaping its future. While the Mayor and Council set the vision, it is Marisa who ensures that vision becomes reality. From managing daily operations to overseeing transformative projects, she is the Mayor and Council’s steady hand at the helm that is helping to guide Pickering’s progress and growth.

Now, that leadership has earned her national recognition. Marisa was recently named Municipal World’s inaugural CAO of the Year, an honour that reflects her professionalism, integrity, and unwavering dedication to the community.

Before reaching this defining moment in her career, Marisa’s journey with the City of Pickering began in 1995, marking the start of three decades of dedication and service. With relentless determination and a sharp strategic mind, she steadily rose through the ranks, breaking barriers along the way. In 2021, she made history with her appointment as Pickering’s first female CAO.

Under her leadership, Pickering has earned national attention as well, ranking on The Globe and Mail’s list of Canada’s 100 Most Livable Cities for two consecutive years. But accolades only tell part of the story. Behind the scenes, municipal administration is a delicate balancing act of growth and

sustainability, innovation and tradition, as well as ambition and pragmatism. Marisa is at the very centre, deftly managing these competing priorities.

One of her proudest accomplishments was leading the development of Pickering’s first-ever Corporate Strategic Plan, a blueprint that not only allows her to implement the Mayor and Council’s directives with greater focus and efficiencies, but also enhances her ability to prioritize initiatives with a long-term vision.

Using this approach, she has played a pivotal role in major milestones, from securing $5.2 million in provincial funding for exceeding housing targets to spearheading the $44.7 million Pickering Heritage & Community Centre currently under construction. Now, she’s leading staff efforts on the design of the Seaton Recreation Complex & Library which, subject to Council’s approval of construction, will be the largest capital project in the City’s history.

Pickering is the fastest-growing municipality in Durham Region, with its population expected to double over the next 30 years. Recognizing this anticipated growth, Marisa emphasizes the need to build essential infrastructure and attract new businesses to create more local jobs, while preserving the high quality of life that residents expect. These are immense and complex challenges, making it essential to have the right leadership in place.

The weekend following the February 13th storm, a more intense blizzard battered much of the province, wreaking havoc on highways and local roads. Once again, all of Marisa’s time and energy was focused on the health and safety of staff, residents, and the broader community, which led her to stay on top of the City’s snow clearing operations and determine which municipal facilities and services should remain available to the public.

But, that’s the life of a CAO - navigating emergencies and overseeing the daily rhythm of the municipality. It’s a highpressure role that demands resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering dedication to the well-being of the community. Through every storm, both literal and figurative, strong leaders like Marisa stand at the forefront, ensuring stability in the present, but also a brighter and more prosperous future for all.

One of Canada’s most livable cities Pickering

Pickering has earned national attention, ranking on The Globe and Mail’s list of Canada’s 100 Most Livable Cities for two consecutive years. Additionally, it secured a spot in the top 10 places to live for entrepreneurs.

While we’re honoured by this recognition, we’re not surprised. Pickering is a place where lifestyle, business, and unforgettable experiences converge, offering something for everyone. With economic and residential growth on the horizon, Pickering offers an unparalleled quality of life for those who live, work, and visit.

So, what can you expect from life in Pickering?

Thriving business community

The Globe and Mail recognized Pickering as one of the top ten places for entrepreneurs, and it’s easy to see why. With a dynamic business network and a robust, growing community, Pickering stands out as a premier destination for investment.

Pickering provides a supportive environment for businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive. Over the past year, the City has participated in dozens of openings of small-to-mid sized businesses, representing a broad cross section of industries, including healthcare, finance, personal services, restaurants, grocery, retail, education, and real estate.

Entrepreneurs and small business owners are truly the heart of our community, contributing to Pickering’s economic vibrancy and resilience, driving innovation, and creating job opportunities.

Celebrating arts, culture, and community

Pickering is proud to be a growing community rich in diversity, offering residents and visitors a vibrant array of events to attend throughout the year.

These gatherings not only foster a strong sense of community and inclusivity, but also support local businesses, artists, artisans, vendors, and performers.

Some of the City’s popular events include:

• Petapolooza (May)

• Artfest (May)

• Pickering City Centre Farmers’ Market (June to October)

• Rotary Ribfest (June)

• Summer Concerts in Millennium Square and Esplanade Park (July & August)

• Pickering Food Truck Festival (August)

• Cultural Fusion Fair (September)

• Fall Fling (October)

• Winter Nights, City Lights (November)

The City of Pickering is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Municipality of the Year Award by Festivals & Events Ontario. Adding to this achievement, the City’s Cultural Fusion Festival has been named one of the Top 100 Festivals & Events in Ontario for 2025, recognized for its outstanding contributions to the industry.

Additionally, the City actively celebrates its community through collaborating with local organizations to honour occasions such as Pride Month, Emancipation Day, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and Black History Month.

To ensure that inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility, and safety remain central to the City’s decision-making and operations, the City launched its first Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy last year. This document aims to ensure that the City’s policies, programs, services, and facilities reflect and meet the needs of Pickering’s diverse population.

Visit pickering.ca/events to stay up-to-date on everything happening in Pickering.

These are just a few of the reasons why Pickering stands out as a premier place to live and thrive.

Don’t just take our word for it – Mayor Ashe took to the streets of Pickering to hear directly from residents about their thoughts on this recognition, and their experiences living in this vibrant city. Visit YouTube.com/@CityPickering to see for yourself!

Explore the data-driven ranking on The Globe and Mail’s website at TheGlobeAndMail.com

NOTHING

A

T RAF ALGAR GIRL CAN’T HANDLE

If you’ve driven through downtown Whitby, chances are you’ve seen a stunning castle nestled among tall trees. That castle is Trafalgar Castle School, an independent day and boarding school for girls in Grades 4 through 12. With a 150-year legacy of educating and empowering girls, the school prides itself on exceptional academics within a warm, progressive community, preparing young women to succeed and make significant impacts in their post-secondary journey and the real world.

Small School, Big Results

Trafalgar Castle School is small by design, ensuring every student is seen, known, and supported in reaching their full potential. With a 1:6 teacherto-student ratio, Trafalgar offers opportunities for global perspectives as day and international boarding students from diverse cultures and backgrounds learn together.

Creating Future Leaders

When the top athlete, the smartest student, and the robotics team captain are girls, it sends a powerful message: “Nothing a Trafalgar girl can’t handle.” Trafalgar builds a foundation for courage and tenacity inside and outside its Castle walls, focusing on futureready competencies and fostering confidence. Students at Trafalgar feel confident taking on challenges because they’re surrounded by driven girls and women excelling in science, technology, engineering, math, the arts, and athletics. Whether inspired by fellow students, teachers, or alumnae leading in fields like engineering, medicine, and law, Trafalgar students think freely, step out of their comfort zones, and take risks.

A Strong Foundation

Trafalgar has developed seven futureready competencies — collaborative leaders, system thinkers, creators and innovators, critical thinkers, communicators, global citizens, and self-aware learners. These competencies anchor all subject areas and flow together seamlessly. The foundation of future-ready skills begins in Grade 4 and continues through to graduation. Science, technology, art, and math programs are scaffolded from Grades 4 to 12, ensuring skill progression for success in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) and beyond. Robotics, computational thinking, and hands-on learning are integrated, offering challenges alongside social sciences. This approach inspires informed, curious, and engaged learners ready to navigate the world with insight and empathy.

Experiential learning is also essential at Trafalgar. The “Beyond the Castle” program offers real-world learning experiences across Ontario, like STEM workshops at the University of Waterloo and networking workshops in Canada’s capital.

Partnering for Success

Trafalgar’s partnerships with organizations across Ontario enrich the academic experience. A key example is the partnership with Ontario Tech University (OTU), providing students access to advanced technology and coding events. Grade 9 students enhance their skills in OTU’s Maker’s Lab, while Grades 11 and 12 compete in OTU’s “Capture the Flag” coding competitions. These opportunities nurture passions, develop skills, and enable students to realize their potential.

Post-Secondary Preparedness

Trafalgar graduates are welcomed by post-secondary institutions in Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and other international universities, pursuing studies in Arts & Humanities, Engineering, Health, and Business, among others. Many students secure notable scholarships. Over 95% of Trafalgar graduates are Ontario Scholars, compared to the provincial average of 60%. Trafalgar also offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, often accepted as first-year university credits. These courses enable students to explore subjects in greater depth and prepare for post-secondary studies.

Behind Students Every Step of the Way

Trafalgar’s specialized programs prepare students for the future. Programs like Traf Steps develop emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills, while the Advisor Program and Dragon’s Den offer academic assistance. The High Performing Athletes and Artists Program supports Grades 9-12 students pursuing elite-level activities.

For 150 years, Trafalgar Castle School has shaped leaders and innovators, creating a legacy of confident, empowered women who leave with more than just a diploma.

Waterfront Spotlight:

Investing in Pickering’s natural spaces

The City of Pickering is committed to preserving, enhancing, and protecting its waterfront to ensure that residents and visitors can enjoy it for years to come. Over time, Pickering’s waterfront has become known for offering some of the region’s best paddle boarding and kite surfing, as well as miles of pristine hiking trails and bicycle paths.

Here are a few of the waterfront-related initiatives making a buzz in Pickering:

Revitalized Waterfront Trail

One standout initiative is the transformation of the Pickering Waterfront Trail, a scenic stretch of the larger 900-kilometre Waterfront Trail that follows the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River from Niagara-on-the-Lake to the Quebec border. Locally, the Trail is divided into three distinct sections: the First Nations Trail, Monarch Trail, and Peak Trail. In 2024, the City of Pickering, working in partnership with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and Trans Canada Trail, proudly reopened the popular segment at Bruce Handscomb Memorial Park following a major upgrade. Enhancements included the construction of 120 metres of new, three-metre-wide accessible asphalt path, two precast concrete retaining walls, upgraded pathway lighting, and critical erosion management controls along the trail edge. To further support accessibility, tactile indicator plates were installed to aid individuals with visual impairments in navigating the transition between the sidewalk and City streets. The project also introduced the planting of native trees and shrubs, reinforcing the City’s commitment to sustainability and creating a vibrant natural landscape for all to enjoy.

Beachfront Park Revitalization

Construction is underway to revitalize Beachfront Park after it sustained significant damage from high-water levels and intense storm events in 2017/2019.

Phase 1 is expected to be complete by summer 2025, and includes the construction of an elevated walkway and cycling route, viewing platforms overlooking the Hydro Marsh, barrierfree access ramps from the elevated structure to the beach, site lighting and furniture. Lake Ontario shoreline protection improvements will be completed from the existing water play area to the west side of Millennium Square.

Visit LetsTalkpickering.ca/BeachfrontPark for details and updates.

Enhancing access and connection

The City of Pickering and Durham Region Transit have teamed up for a second year to offer a free weekend waterfront shuttle on Route 100 to get you to and from all of your favourite waterfront activities.

The seasonal service, starting June 28 and ending September 1, 2025, will operate on weekends and statutory holidays.

Preserving the Waterfront’s unique character

The City maintains that it is important that Frenchman’s Bay and the surrounding lands be in public ownership in order to safeguard from aggressive and overly ambitious development proposals; maintain public access and recreational use; and enhance environmental stewardship of the Bay and surrounding lands.

It has made several efforts to ensure the Bay remains a protected, enjoyable space for all, including successfully rejecting development applications, and engaging the senior levels of Government to secure tri-party funding for the acquisition of Frenchman’s Bay and related land holdings.

Visit pickering.ca/frenchmansbay for future updates.

Pickering

Budget WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!

Pickering is a thriving city thanks to the residents and businesses who choose to live, work, and invest here.

Each year, the City plans its budget priorities to ensure a high quality of life, as it relates to the municipal service, program, and infrastructure needs of the community.

2025 Budget Highlights

In 2025, the City’s portion of the residential property tax bill increased by 1.15%.

Did You Know ?

This equates to $82.62 on the average assessed home in Pickering of $586,000 .

This increase, when combined with the Region of Durham and School Board increases, will result in an average increase of 5.35% on the total property tax bill (based on the Durham Region approved levy increase of 7.4%).

• The 2025 Current Budget is $94,227,956

• The 2025 Capital Budget is $96,939,550

A general rule of thumb for calculating property tax is to multiply your assessed value (or purchase price if recent) by the current tax rate. For example, if you paid $586,000 for your house, your taxes would be: $586, 000 x 2025 Residential Tax Rate (0.01288240) = $7,549.09

Pickering’s Participatory Budget

We are excited to announce that outdoor fitness equipment has been selected as the top-ranked neighbourhood project through the City’s first-ever participatory budget process.

Where do your tax dollars go?

12.50% of your tax dollars goes to the Boards of Education

56.78% of your tax dollars goes to the Region of Durham

30.72% of your tax dollars goes to the City of Pickering

As a result, $300,000 has been allocated in the 2025 Capital Budget, with funding provided through casino revenues. This significant initiative underscores the City’s commitment to fostering collaboration and promoting active public engagement in local decision-making.

The winning project will be implemented in each Ward, with final locations to be determined by City staff.

Exploring Funding Sources

While property taxes are the City of Pickering’s main source of revenue, the City seeks out other funding opportunities to help relieve the residential tax load.

This includes:

• Eligible funding and grant programs from both the Federal and Provincial governments.

• Naming rights partnerships.

• Business attraction - this not only supports jobs for local residents and stimulates the economy, but expands the commercial and industrial property tax class, which in turn will alleviate the municipal tax pressures from resting primarily on residential.

• Municipal Contribution Agreement with Ontario Lottery Gaming Corporation – the City receives revenues for hosting the Pickering Casino Resort.

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The Customer Care Centre

Building Trust Through Exceptional Service

By Kristen Fox, Supervisor, Customer Care

For more than 20 years, I have been privileged to serve the residents of Pickering, the vast majority of that time in the City’s Customer Care Centre. I love my job, because I feel a very real connection to our community of kind, passionate, and engaged citizens who take pride in their city and care deeply about their neighbours.

Each year, we are the first point of contact for close to 50,000 emails, phone calls, and in-person visits. Not surprisingly, there is an ebb and flow with the Customer Care Centre that’s aligned with the seasons - such as snow clearing calls in the winter and grass cutting requests in the spring. However, we consistently manage service requests all year round in regards to parking control, by-law enforcement, and animal services.

While we have a relatively small team to handle these massive volumes of inquiries and requests, each team member is committed to providing the highest level of service to our residents. We’re extremely proud of the level of trust that we have built with our residents and community. That’s why it’s critical that we continue to provide accurate, timely, and trusted information.

Unfortunately, there seems to be more and more attempts to spread misinformation in our community, leaving some of our most vulnerable residents feeling confused, isolated, and even fearful.

For example, a senior resident recently contacted us after receiving a mysterious flyer filled with alarming conspiracy theories about globalist agendas, digital prisons, restrictions on residents’ freedoms, and fines for leaving their neighbourhoods.

While I was glad we could reassure her that these claims are baseless and have no factual foundation, I remain concerned that other residents may be misled by this kind of misinformation.

If something seems suspicious or doesn’t feel right – reach out to us. We have the expertise, resources, and commitment to help separate fact from fiction. And if you have parents, family members, or friends living alone, please check up on them regularly to ensure they’re not victims of fraud or misinformation. If you or someone you care for is a victim of fraud, please contact Durham Regional Police Services at 905.579.1520 or file an incident report at drps.ca

Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities, both in protecting against misinformation/fraud and enhancing the services you rely on. That’s why we’re working on plans to expand and improve our service delivery model at the Customer Care Centre, creating more opportunities for you to connect with us and developing new systems for timelier updates on your service requests. Stay tuned for more details on this exciting project! In the meantime, if you have a question, concern, or need to verify information, you can reach us at 905.683.7575 or customercare@pickering.ca

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Greater Toronto Area 107 - 1585 Markham Rd., Toronto, ON, M1B 2W1

$1 Billion+ Mortgages Funded

15+ Years of Mortgage Experience

CMP Top 75 Brokers

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Durham Region 205 - 1315 Pickering Pkwy Pickering, ON, L1V 0C4 www.ﬁn.ca Independently Owned & Operated FSRA