Dear Friends,

I hope you all are having a great start to 2024, filled with excitement for the possibilities that lie ahead in the new year.

Last year was truly exceptional, marked by unparalleled growth, innovation, and an unwavering sense of community spirit that resonated throughout our City.

We had some incredible accomplishments last year, including:

• Welcomed thousands of new residents to our vibrant City.
• Attracted major businesses like FGF Brands and Kubota Canada, expected to create over 5,000 jobs locally.
• Enhanced our community infrastructures, such as the Pickering Soccer Dome and Claremont Library
• The ongoing transformation of the downtown core with the development of the Pickering City Centre, promising new community spaces and amenities.
• Enhanced our shared spaces with culturally diverse and stunning public art.
• Launched the City's first-ever Corporate Strategic Plan.
• and so much more!

As we step into 2024, we have so much to look forward to, including:

• The upcoming inauguration of the Jerry Coughlan Health and Wellness Centre.
• The grand opening of the Porsche Experience Centre, set to be the tenth of its kind globally and one of just three locations in North America.
• The upcoming launch of the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Plan in 2024, to address issues associated with equitable and inclusive access to services, programs, and infrastructure.

I look forward to working hand in hand with each of you and continue our journey towards a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving community in 2024 and beyond.

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

Mayor's Proposed 2024 Budgets

Keeping Up With Council

Refurbishment of Pickering Nuclear Generating Station Units

Pickering Ranked #3 Most Livable City

Retail Market Study

Pickering Civic Awards

Engaging with the Community

I'm excited to share that my proposed 2024 Budgets, shaped by your valuable input, is now available online for you to review. This budget reflects our commitment to maintaining and enhancing the quality of life in our thriving and vibrant City.

Thank you to everyone that provided invaluable input to shape this budget. We have carefully reviewed the priorities you shared regarding services, programs, and infrastructure needs in our community. This collaborative effort ensures that our budget aligns with the needs and aspirations of our community.

I encourage you to review the Mayor's Proposed Capital Budget & 2025-2033 Forecast and the Mayor's Proposed Current Budget, both available at LetsTalkPickering.ca/Budget.

A Special Council Meeting is set for February 20, 2024, for any budget amendments. You can register as a delegation to speak before Council. Visit LetsTalkPickering.ca/Budget for more information.

Together, we will continue to ensure that Pickering remains a vibrant and prosperous City to live, work, shop, and play!

The first Keeping Up With Council update for 2024 is out now!

Tune in for the latest updates on:

• Rotary Ribfest,
• Request to rescind Strong Mayors Powers,
• Poppy Sidewalk art, and more!

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

Exciting new for Pickering and Ontario!

On January 30, the Minister of Energy, Todd Smith, joined us in Pickering to announce the province's support for the refurbishment of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station's (PNGS) "B" units!

The PNGS has long been a cornerstone of our local economy, providing high-quality jobs and powering our homes, businesses, and industries with reliable, clean energy.

Adding a staggering 2,000 megawatts of electricity to our grid, equivalent to powering over two million homes across Ontario, and extending the station's lifespan for another 30 years, we're laying the foundation for continued economic prosperity and growth in Pickering and beyond!

The refurbishment will create thousands of new jobs, attract businesses, skilled professionals, and position Pickering as a leader in sustainable development and clean, green energy.

Click here to read my Official Statement.

The Globe and Mail recently released its 'Canada's Most Livable Cities' list and Pickering was ranked:

• The 3rd most livable city in Ontario
• The 26th most livable city in Canada

To celebrate, we hit the streets to share the news with community members and hear what they had to say. Check out the video below!

The City needs your input for a retail market study!

The City is planning for Pickering's future retail and commercial needs and invites you to learn more and get involved. The study will look to plan for the amount, type, and location of new retail and commercial space to service our growing community.

Residents are invited to share their feedback on current retail and commercial spending habits. I encourage you to visit LetsTalkPickering/Retail before February 9 to share your thoughts!

Each year the City of Pickering presents Civic Awards to members of the community who have exemplified outstanding service and achievements making significant contributions to the City.

Now is the time to nominate for the 2023 Civic Awards! With so many acts of tremendous heroism, generosity, and community spirit, we expect to have a lot to celebrate. I invite you to nominate a deserving individual, group, or business for a 2023 Civic Award.

Visit Pickering.ca/CivicAwards to learn more and submit a nomination.

Nominations will be accepted until February 8, 2024.

Joined members of the Pickering Islamic Centre for a vigil on the National Day of Remembrance for the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action against Islamophobia.

Honoured to spend the last Sunday morning of January with members of Purpose Church as we worshipped and sang together!

Had a great time at the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade's New Years Levee as the new Board of Directors for the team was sworn in.

It was a pleasure to drop by Thurber Engineering in Pickering to visit the site and learn about the incredible work they do in Canada!

Joined Mayor Elizabeth Roy in Whitby for their World Religion Day celebration. It was great to drop by Peace Lutheran Church's booth!

As January marked Tamil Heritage Month, I had the pleasure of attending several celebrations across Durham!

Honoured to have longtime Pickering resident, Cindy Adams, drop by City Hall for a meeting. Cindy Adams was recently appointed to the Order of Ontario.

Had the pleasure of dropping by PROBUS Pickering Lakeside for their Annual General Meeting and 5th Anniversary celebration!

Great visit to Search Engine People Inc. as I met with the team and learned more about the amazing work they do!