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.

All month long the City of Pickering, Pickering Public Library and the Region of Durham will be honouring Black history with a number of events, activities and resources for residents to engage in.

I encourage you to check out the linked pages and get involved in these meaningful initiatives. You may wish to attend a workshop, explore local Black creators, support community organizations, or simply take time to learn more about the histories and voices that have shaped our community.

These events are more than commemorations, they are opportunities to deepen understanding, celebrate resilience and creativity, and strengthen the sense of community that makes Pickering such a vibrant place to live. I hope you will take part and help amplify the stories and contributions that deserve to be recognized all year long!

Join us on Tuesday, February 10 at 7:00 pm in the Central Library Auditorium (One The Esplanade, Pickering ON, L1V 6K7) for a Special Community Information Session addressing Situation Awareness & Community Safety Best Practices.

This Session is being offered in response to residents concerns regarding increasing theft and public safety issues. We look forward to seeing you there! 

Our Guest Speaker is Mr. Brian Gonyou who served Canada with distinction over a 25-year military career. As a member of the Special Service Force (SSF) and Joint Task Force 2 (JTF2), he was entrusted with protecting Canadian national interests and combating terrorism both domestically and internationally. Following his military service, Mr. Gonyou transitioned to a career in Human Performance and Leadership training, where he focuses on developing best practices in Situational Awareness (SA). In his presentation, Mr. Gonyou will offer a practical approach to Situational Awareness by exploring the different levels of awareness, demonstrating SA in action, and highlighting the importance of recognizing your distractions and risks.

Join us as we have an assortment of great events to engage in all year round. The City of Pickering's Events Calendar and Festival Page are great resources to see upcoming City and Community Events. 

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

City of Pickering and Melanin Skate Crew Black History Month Community Event  

Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Location: Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex, O’Brien Rooms, 1867 Valley Farm Road, Pickering 

Monday, February 16, 2026: Family Day Fun

Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Location: Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex, 867 Valley Farm Road, Pickering 

For more information on scheduling and registration, visit the webpage

Answering your questions - A segment dedicated to answering some of your most pressing questions! Often times I have residents requesting the same information over a hot topic, issue or event. Connecting with our neighbours and sharing information to Pickering residents is some of my favourite duties associated with being your Councillor. This platform will allow me to do just that!

Send an email to mbrenner@pickering.ca with your questions on City & Regional matters to see if your inquiries were chosen as a hot topic in our next eNewsletter release.

I have been hearing lots about a new high-speed rail from Toronto-Quebec City.

Is this true and how will it affect Pickering and Durham Region?

The Alto high‑speed rail project is a major Government of Canada initiative to build the country’s first fast intercity rail network, connecting Toronto to Quebec City. The project is currently in an active public consultation phase running through early 2026, with in‑person and virtual sessions gathering feedback on route options, station locations, and potential community impacts.

For Pickering and the broader Durham Region, these consultations give residents a chance to influence how the corridor may pass through or near their communities. Residents are encouraged to participate and help shape the decisions on this project to best support our growing and thriving community.

The 2 Public Free In-Person Information Sessions in Pickering will take place:

Thursday, February 12, 2026

Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex

1867 Valley Farm Road, Pickering ON, L1V 6K7

Session #1: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Session #2: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

For more information you may read the official press release here. Visit their main project page for details on how to participate and provide your feedback online, watch their promotional video and more.

The snow this season has been plentiful. Can I still register for the Snow Clearing Program, even though the deadline has passed?

YES! We still have spots available for our Seniors & Persons with Disabilities Snow Clearing Program.

Visit pickering.ca/SnowProgram to learn more and access the online application form.

If you require assistance, please contact our Customer Care Centre by telephone or email at the following: 905.683.7575, customercare@pickering.ca

The service runs annually from November 1 to April 30. You may be eligible if:

• You are 65+ or have a permanent or cognitive disability
• You live in Pickering (urban area south of Taunton Road or Brougham, Claremont, Greenwood, or Whitevale)
• No one aged 18 - 65 lives in your home (with the exception of a person with a permanent physical or cognitive disability)
• You own and live in the home (property taxes in good standing)

Program fees are based on your taxable income.

As Council Members we have a commitment to participate in a number of Committee and Council meetings annually.

The Executive Committee typically meets virtually once monthly on the first Monday of the month at 2:00 pm. Likewise, the Planning & Development Committee meet virtually on the same day of the month at 7:00 pm. The last Monday of the month typically, we meet virtually for Council meetings at 7:00 pm.

Please follow the links below for the City's website calendar, to view the most up-to-date scheduling.

As part of our commitment to open, transparent, and accessible municipal government, we continue to post online recaps of the decisions made at our Council Meetings to help residents better understand municipal affairs and directions set by Council. 

Members of the public may observe the meeting proceedings by viewing the livestream. The official meeting minutes are also publicly available through the City's website calendar and Corporate Records webpages. For more information on attending meetings and registering as a delegate, you may visit the City's website.

A breakdown of our Council Meeting Highlights are available on the City's website here. Alternatively, you may check out the City's Facebook page.

Visit LetsTalkPickering.ca/Development to learn more about the planning process.

The Region of Durham Council continues to be a champion for our community, and leverages it's voice through memberships with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). It advocates for change on current Provincial legislation that negatively impacts our residents.

The Region plays a significant role in providing essential services and resources to all of their corresponding municipalities. Check out the January 28, 2026, Durham Region CAO Briefing Notes summary to learn more. 

The Regional Municipality of Durham has launched a new platform at durham.ca/ThisWeek and celebrates our Durham Region, where everyone feels valued and included. This page is designed to deliver news on Regional business in a more human and heartfelt approach.

Be sure to check out their webpage and subscribe should you wish to receive updates on this and enjoy a good read weekly!

Durham Region Transit (DRT) is one of the most popular and reputable regional services offered to our residents.

To stay up-to-date on the latest news with DRT, subscribe to their eNews page here.

Metrolinx has officially launched major construction on the Bowmanville Extension! A project that will bring GO rail service farther into Durham Region. Early work includes upgrades at Durham College Oshawa GO Station, bridge reconstruction on Simcoe Street, and utility relocations, with future phases adding nearly 19 km of new track, new bridges (including a rail crossing over Highway 401) and improved at‑grade crossings.

Local construction activity continues across Oshawa, including a full Simcoe Street closure for bridge replacement and ongoing demolition work through 2026. Metrolinx

shares the details from their community engagement session and introduces the next generation of GO buses.

To read the full newsletter, follow the link here.

The Lobbyist Registry is up and running, and it is now mandatory for those that lobby Public Officer Holders. The team from the Clerks Department has played a lead role in not only preparing the Lobbyist Registry By-law, but also the tools that will assist Public Office Holders and Lobbyists to understand the definition of a Public Officer Holder.

Connect with our Customer Care team, Monday to Friday (8:30 am - 4:30 pm), by telephone at 905.683.7575, or email customercare@pickering.ca.