Dear Friend,

As the month of February draws to a close, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the significance of this past month and look forward to the exciting times ahead in our vibrant community.

February was an important month as we celebrated Black History Month, a time to recognize and honour the invaluable contributions of Black-Canadians to our society, both past and present. Black History Month is a time to acknowledge the rich history, culture, and achievements of Black individuals in Pickering and across Canada. From trailblazers in politics, science, arts, and every facet of society, Black-Canadians have played a pivotal role in shaping our community's identity and enriching our collective experiences. I had the pleasure of joining members of our community for the Annual Durham Region Black History Month celebration - Together We Rise Durham: Black History, Intersectionality, and Joy.

It's crucial that we not only celebrate their successes but also acknowledge the historical adversities Black-Canadians have faced and continue to face. From systemic barriers to racial discrimination, many Black-Canadians have encountered immense challenges on their journey toward equality and justice. As a community, it's essential that we commit to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our society.

In addition to Black History Month, February also marked the joyful celebration of Lunar New Year, ushering in the Year of the Dragon. I had the pleasure of joining the residents of Amica Pickering for a dance performance by the Litmus Chinese Dance Association in celebration of Lunar New Year. This festive occasion reminds us of the importance of embracing our cultural heritage and traditions while fostering unity and understanding among all members of our community. I wish all those celebrating a safe, happy, and prosperous new year!

As we look forward to March, I am filled with excitement for all the possibilities that lie ahead for Pickering. We have a lot of amazing initiatives in the works in Pickering, from fun community events to groundbreaking projects. I am truly looking forward to working with each and every one of you as we continue to build a brighter future for Pickering.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office at mayor@pickering.ca or 905.420.4600. Also, I encourage you to stay up to date on the latest news in Pickering by subscribing to my newsletter if you haven't already.

Yours Truly,

Kevin Ashe

Mayor, City of Pickering

IN THIS NEWSLETTER

Keeping Up With Council

Jerry Coughlan Health & Wellness Centre

Mayor Kevin Ashe's Coffee Chat

Stronger, Together: Interfaith Roundtable

Rotary Frenchman's Bay West Park's New Comfort Station

Let's Talk Northeast Pickering

Engaging with the Community

Missed our recent Council Meeting on February 26?

Don't worry! My Keeping Up With Council Recap is out now, ensuring you stay informed and engaged!

Tune in to catch up on all the important discussions and updates taking place in Pickering, including:

• Delegations from Community Members
• The reinstatement of Durham Region Transit services
• Digital Readiness Assessment and Strategy

… and more!

Click here or on the video above to watch my Council recap!

I'm thrilled to share the exciting news of the grand opening of the Jerry Coughlan Health & Wellness Centre in Pickering!

This four-storey, 67,000 square foot facility, marks a significant milestone in providing top-tier healthcare services right here in Pickering.

At the heart of this Centre is the new Surgical Centre, boasting four state-of-the-art operating rooms, set to handle over 9,000 cases annually.

But, that's not all! From Lakeridge Health's Assertive Community Treatment to Primary Care and Urgent Care, as well as Laboratory Services and Specialist Physicians, the Centre promises comprehensive healthcare services under one roof.

I'm immensely proud of the role the City of Pickering played in advancing Lakeridge Health's initiatives by directly funding the purchase of audio-visual equipment for the Base Hospital. Through the Pickering Mayor's Gala, we raised funds that were used to purchase all of the furniture for the ACTT. Similarly, we supported the Ajax-Pickering Hospital Foundation's Mayors' Charity Golf Classic that supported the purchase of multiple pieces of equipment.

The Jerry Coughlan Health & Wellness Centre is not just a building; it's a testament to our commitment to the health and well-being of our community. I encourage you all to explore the Centre's offerings.

Click here to learn more about the Jerry Coughlan Health & Wellness Centre.

Thank you to everyone who joined me for a delightful afternoon at Heaffles for my recent Coffee Chat. It was a pleasure meeting residents, exchanging ideas, and discussing the exciting developments shaping our City's future.

I'm already looking forward to hosting more of these Coffee Chats across Pickering, providing more opportunities to connect, share updates, and collaborate on building an even brighter future for our community.

Feel free to reach out and suggest a coffee shop for where I should host my next Coffee Chat!

Take a look at the video below to watch our quick recap video from the Coffee Chat.

I'm thrilled to share the success of our inaugural Stronger, Together: Interfaith Roundtable held earlier this month.

This groundbreaking meeting brought together religious leaders and faith groups from diverse backgrounds across Pickering.

The meeting provided a unique opportunity to foster collaboration and unity among our religious leaders and community members. It was inspiring to witness individuals from various backgrounds come together, exchange ideas, and explore avenues for collective support and growth.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who participated, shared insights, and connected with one another during the meeting. Your commitment to working together will ensure that Pickering continues to thrive as the best place to live, work, and play!

Exciting news, Pickering! The new comfort station at Rotary Frenchman's Bay West Park is now open year-round for public use!

From April to November, the hours extend from 8 am to 9 pm, making it more accessible for all. Plus, it's wheelchair accessible and gender-neutral.

But that's not all! The park has undergone an amazing transformation. You can now enjoy a canoe or kayak launch, fishing node, comfortable seating areas, and illuminated walkways!

I invite you to come out and explore these fantastic additions.

See you at Rotary Frenchman's Bay West Park!

Join us for an important event shaping the future of Northeast Pickering!

The City of Pickering is hosting an in-person Public Information Centre on Thursday, March 20, 2024 from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex (O'Brien Room).

The Northeast Pickering Secondary Plan Area offers a crucial opportunity to address housing and employment challenges in our City. With 1,600 hectares earmarked for development, this plan will shape growth over the next 30 years, defining land use, transportation, design, and sustainability.

Your input matters! Join us and have your say in building a vibrant and sustainable future for Pickering!

Visit LetsTalkPickering.ca/NEP to learn more.

Great meeting at City Hall with members of the Durham Chinese Canadian Culture Centre on future collaborations!

Honoured to join the Pickering Caribbean Canadian Cultural Association for their Black History Month celebration!

Stopped by Amica Pickering to watch the amazing performances by the Litmus Chinese Dance Association for Lunar New Year!

Dropped by Fernhill Associates for their Grand Opening celebration in Pickering!

Joined the Grade 3 students at St. Monica Catholic School to talk about all things Pickering and local government!

It was great visiting Framatome's site in Pickering to learn more about the important work they do in the nuclear energy sector.

Honoured to have joined members of the community for the Annual Durham Region Black History Month celebration.

Had the pleasure of dropping by Claremont Golden Age Club to talk about exciting updates in Pickering!

Thrilled to join JD Sports located inside the Pickering Town Centre for their grand opening celebration!