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.

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. We will remember them.”

On November 11th Remembrance Day, we honour and remember all those who served and gave the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of freedom and democracy. It commemorates the end of World War I at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918 and is observed with a moment of silence at 11 am. The day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices of those who fought in wars and conflicts, with the red poppy serving as a widely recognized symbol of remembrance. This year working with Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) Branch 483 and RCL Brance 606, the City of Pickering paid tribute to our Veterans through the unveiling of “Lest We Forget” Remembrance Day Crosswalks in Pickering's City Centre and on Old Brock Road in Claremont.

For me, it is a time to remember my grandfather Maurice Brenner who served in the British Forces in WW1 and Home Guard in WW2, my father Harold Brenner who served in the British Armed Forces in WW2 and my uncle Sydney Brenner who served in the Royal Airforce Bomber Command and was lost over the North Sea (shown in photographs below left to right).

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.

Many of you have visited the Rouge Valley Park, know someone who has, or plan to in the future - especially for it's beautiful trail connections that lead to the Rouge National Urban Park!

The highly anticipated improvements are well underway and here's what you need to know.

The drawing outlines the Rouge Valley Park Improvements which is currently in a competitive bid process expected to close at the end of October 2025. Construction may begin this fall 2025 or Spring 2026, depending on how early the winter weather arrives. Construction is estimated to be complete before Summer 2026. 

Cell Towers - How are the applications received? Who approves them? How can I provide my feedback if one is proposed in my neighbourhood?

These are questions I often recieve about Cell Towers. Please see notes and resources below to help you navigate such questions.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)

ISED, formerly known as Industry Canada, is the federal agency responsible for approving all cell towers in Canada under the Radiocommunication Act. Provincial legislation, such as the Planning Act, including zoning by-laws, does not apply to these towers.

While the federal government oversees these approvals, ISED requires proponents to consult local municipalities and consider local policies related to site selection and design as part of the review process. In case of a dispute between the applicant and the City of Pickering, ISED makes the final decision on the proposed tower. More information on this process can be found at the ISED webpage.

Health and Safety

Health Canada is the federal authority responsible for establishing safety standards for radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from cell towers and other wireless technologies. Health Canada’s Safety Code 6 sets out the guidelines regarding permitted safety levels of EMFs from 5G and similar wireless technologies. For more information, please visit Health Canada’s webpage.

The City of Pickering, or any other municipality, does not have the authority to assess, regulate, or comment on health or safety matters related to existing or proposed telecommunication towers. All questions or concerns regarding potential health or safety impacts from radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) must be directed to Health Canada, the federal agency responsible for establishing and enforcing safety standards under Safety Code 6.

The above flowchart shows the Cell Tower application process.

The City of Pickering

The City of Pickering does not have the authority to approve or deny cell tower installations. However, the City supports ISED’s consultation process by:

• Reviewing proposals under the City’s Telecommunications Tower and Antenna Protocol;
• Assessing the applicant’s proposed location to ensure they:
• consider locating towers in preferred locations such as industrial, commercial, or non-residential areas;
• consider using existing infrastructure in the area, including rooftops, water towers, utility poles or light standards;
• explore options for sharing, modifying, or replacing an existing cell tower;
• Assisting the applicant in facilitating public consultation; and
• Providing comments and recommendations to ISED on behalf of Council and the community.

Learn more about the City’s Cell Tower Protocol at the following webpage.

Public Information Session

Proposed Cell Tower Installation #74

South of 1718 Altona Road, Pickering

Can we expect any upgrades to Ernie L. Stroud Park?

Ernie L. Stroud Park is located at Steeple Hill & Edmund Drive, and has a few new exciting improvements on the way.

Basketball Court Replacement with Muli-use Court:

The City plans to begin the tender process in early 2026 and anticipates construction to begin around spring/summer 2026. The project will include:

• Replacement of the existing court asphalt surface, line painting, and installation of new multi-use basketball nets
• Removal and restoration of surrounding pavers and armourstone
• Establishment of new asphalt pathway connections to the north and south of the court

Ernie L. Stroud Park Pathway Replacement:

This initiative falls under the Pathway Reconstruction (Accessibility to Parks) Projects, which is an ongoing program that targets improvements of up to three park pathways annually, prioritized based on condition. Subject to budget approval, design work would take place in 2026 and construction in 2027. A markup showing the proposed Ernie L. Stroud Park pathway replacement areas (in red) is above. Please note that inclusion of the pathway connection to Lightfoot Place (in yellow) will need to be confirmed. 

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. 

I would like to highlight some events that are proudly being offered:

Tuesday, November 11, 2025: Remembrance Day Parade and Service

Please join the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 606 for their annual Remembrance Day Parade and Service including Placement of Wreaths, at Pickering City Hall Cenotaph beginning at 10:45 am - 12:30 pm. Learn more here.

Friday, November 14 & Saturday, November 15, 2025: Winter Nights, City Lights

Our signature winter festival! This event will include the lighting of Esplanade Park, fireworks, activities, live entertainment, food vendors, artist vendors, games and activations in Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex. Join is at Esplanade Park from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm. For more information, visit the webpage.

Saturday, November 22, 2025: Santa Claus Parade

Join the City of Pickering at 10:00 am in partnership with the Kinsmen & Kinette Club in celebrating the Santa Claus Parade. This year, the Parade’s theme is “No Place Like Home for the Holidays” – showcase your Pickering Pride! With extravagant floats from Pickering businesses and community groups, marching bands, and Santa Claus himself, the Santa Claus Parade is the spectacle to kick off everyone’s holiday season. A joyous celebration that will impress all ages. The Parade will proceed East on Glenanna Road to a new end location in The Shops at Pickering’s City Centre parking lot, across from City Hall. Be sure to mark your calendars now. It’s a day not to be missed. Any additional details will be placed on the website here.

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.

Each month the City of Pickering Building Services division generates an activity report which includes statistics of new applications received within the month, permit fees received to date, estimated construction valuations, projected building permit revenues, and comparisons to the previous year.

You may view the Building Permit Activity Report for August 2025 and September 2025.

For more information, visit the Building Services webpage here.

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 August 27, 2025, September 24, 2025, and October 29, 2025 Durham Region CAO Briefing Notes summary to learn more. 

Durham Regional Council will consider the proposed 2026 Property Tax Supported Business Plans and Budget, and the Water Supply and Sanitary Sewerage Business Plans and Budget, including the 2026 water and sanitary sewer user rates and other related fees and charges, at the following meetings:

Special Committee of the Whole Meeting

Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 9:30 am; and

Friday, December 12, 2025 at 9:30 am (if required)

Council Chambers

Durham Regional Headquarters

605 Rossland Road East, Whitby, Ontario

Regional Council Meeting

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 9:30 am

Council Chambers

Durham Regional Headquarters

605 Rossland Road East, Whitby, Ontario

The 2026 Property Tax Supported Business Plans and Budget and Water Supply and Sanitary Sewerage Business Plans and Budget will be available on Friday, December 5, 2025 at durham.ca or upon request by telephone at 311.

For more information, visit: YourVoice.Durham.ca/Budget

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

Highlights from the September 2025 and October 2025 Transit Executive Committee Meeting can be viewed following the links.

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

Metrolinx has new and exciting updates for our residents. Be sure to check out the following link to learn more about Lakeshore East service improvements, Oshawa & Whitby GO station, construction, and more.

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.