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Spring has sprung! Let’s hope the snow is behind us and we can enjoy spring and summer activities. I hope you will be enjoying our many parks, waterfront, natural areas and community and recreation facilities and programs.
In this eNewsletter I highlight a some exciting upcoming community events. I also address matters such as our safety, roads and parks, and where are property taxes are invested in our communities.
I hope you enjoy this eNewsletter and as always you are welcome to contact me. I expect I will see you at a community venue or event soon.
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Community safety is a priority to the community and a priority to me. It is a precursor to enjoying living, working and playing in our community. I regularly engage with our local police staff, and even the Chief of Police at times, to pass along the concerns I hear from residents and hear about police response and programs. Often resources are needed and we have increased the police budget in the last two years to hire many new police officers and staff. Below I share further information on policing.
I have included information on two important City programs that have been in place and promoted for a while, but some residents may not be aware. Our Seniors & Persons with Disabilities Snow Clearing Program and our Property Tax Relief Program. See the details below to see if you are eligible.
Community Safety Meeting
The City’s Community Safety and Well-Being Advisory Committee partnered with Durham Regional Police Services (DRPS) to hold a community safety meeting regarding theft prevention on February 25th at Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex. The event brought together 68 residents, DRPS representatives, and members of Pickering’s Community Safety and Well‑Being Advisory Committee. DRPS shared updates on current community safety initiatives, highlighted new tools available to residents, and reinforced the importance of ongoing collaboration between the community and police. Topics covered included:
Crime Prevention Resources – An overview of Theft Prevention Tips concerning home and auto-related thefts, and services that support neighbourhood safety.
More info: https://www.drps.ca/community-safety-and-support/crime-prevention/
CAMSafe Camera Registry – A voluntary registry that helps officers identify where security cameras are located when investigating incidents. The registry does not provide automatic access to footage.
Details: https://www.drps.ca/online-services/camsafe-camera-registry/
Drone First Responder (DFR) Pilot Project – An update on the drone program, which is being used in certain situations to improve response times and provide situational awareness for officers and residents.
Program info: https://www.drps.ca/community-safety-and-support/drone-first-responder-dfr-pilot-project/
Follow‑Up Contacts:
DRPS West Division – westdivision@drps.ca
City of Pickering – Community Safety and Well‑Being – eknox@pickering.ca
| | Durham Regional Police Services | | |
Councillor Butt and I meet regularly with our Durham Regional Police Services (DPRS) representatives to discuss and hear of problems and trends and to share our observations and what we hear in engaging with residents. This is helpful to both DRPS and us in addressing concerns.
DRPS regularly reminds us that although it is helpful to hear concerns from residents through us, they do encourage residents to reach out to DRPS directly to either report concerns or obtain information. Below I am posting contact information from DRPS that they have asked us to share.
Please find below a selection of resources that may be shared with community members.
You many visit www.drps.ca, which offers a wide range of informative content. The following sections may be of particular interest:
· When to Call 911 – Provides guidance on when to seek emergency and non-emergency assistance (also accessible from the main page).
· Report a Crime – Offers options for online reporting and access to various registries.
· Online Services – Includes the monthly crime and traffic dashboard for community insights.
The website also features several other categories that may be beneficial to the community.
In addition to the website, we regularly share updates and information through our West Division Instagram account (drps_officialwest). We encourage community members to follow us for timely updates and engagement opportunities
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The City of Pickering offers an annual property tax grant for eligible low income seniors and low income persons with disabilities who own and occupy their own home. The grant for 2025 is $600.
Eligibility requirements are a combination of both taxpayer and property status.
Visit pickering.ca to learn more and access the online application form.
| | Investing in our Safety - Policing | | |
Your safety is a priority for us, and we are working with the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) and providing them with more resources. Across Durham Region we have seen some reductions in a number of criminal offences in 2025 including: Commercial Break and Enters, Commercial Robberies and Auto Thefts. Unfortunately, there have been increases in other areas such as residential break and enters. Many crimes are under reported, such as Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual assaults.
DRPS has launched a public awareness campaign and are conducting door knock initiatives in which we will be participating.
While other regional services have larger budgets, DRPS makes up the largest portion of being funded directly from regional taxes. In the 2026 approved Regional budget, 111 new positions, 78 of which are uniform officers and 30 of those are frontline officers will be hired.
We regularly advocate and work with DRPS divisional leadership to address constituent concerns on many issues such as break-ins, speeding, driving offences, neighbourhood patrols, domestic violence, car thefts, thefts, and guns, and exploitation.
Visit www.drps.ca for more information from DRPS and information on reporting matters to police.
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Grand Opening:
Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre
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Saturday, June 13 from 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Official grand opening of the Dorsay Heritage & Community Centre and Redman House renovation.
The ribbon cutting and ceremonial door opening will take place at 5:30 pm. Opening ceremonies with the Mayor and dignitaries will begin at 5:45 pm on the Banquet Hall stage, followed immediately by formal remarks. A cake‑cutting is scheduled for 7:00 pm.
| | New Parks Projects (Underway or Coming) | | |
Dave Ryan Community Park (Alexander Knox and Mulberry) – The design and tender of this park have been completed and construction expected in start in Spring 2026. Park elements to include a full-size soccer pitch, a lit ball diamond, a tennis court, pickleball courts, a half-court basketball court, a large junior and senior playground, a water play area, an on-site parking lot, and a washroom/fieldhouse. This park is located at the corner of Alexander Knox Road and Mulberry Lane.
Greenwood Park Master Plan - Community consultation and concept plan development to be completed in 2026. Design is in the Capital Forecast for 2027.
Claremont Park Master Plan – The new playground will be be completed this spring. A consultant has been retained to prepare conceptual design drawings and costing for the proposed multi-use shade structure. Design and Construction are in the Capital Forecast for 2027.
Scenic Drive Park - Community consultation for the park design to commence in Spring 2026. Detailed design to proceed in Fall 2026. Construction anticipated for 2027. This is adjacent to the school site on Tillings Road.
Whitevale Park Playground – will be completed in spring 2026.
Claremont Memorial Park Playground – will be completed in spring 2026.
New Park in Claremont (Geranium Homes) – Forsyth Park
Staff will be finalizing plans with Geranium and anticipate park construction in 2026/2027.
New City Centre Park – located on Glenanna Road, across from the City Hall – Public consultation completed in 2025 and schematic design proceeding for Council endorsement in 2026. The park will be programmed for year-round use and include event space, an outdoor skating facility, water feature, a park washroom/mechanical building, public art, site furniture and landscaping/trees. .
| | Sometimes we have residents ask where tax dollars go, often residents overlook significant use of funds for policing, fire protection, health, social services and housing, schools, recreation centre and parks, infrastructure and roads and operations. | | Durham - Scaborough Bus Rapid Tranist Update | | |
- Steeple Hill to Merritton: The design is 100% complete and is currently with our Procurement Department. The tender is expected to be issued by April 2026, with construction beginning in the summer of 2026.
- Dixie to Bainbridge: The consultant is expected to deliver the 100% design by April 2026. The project is anticipated to be tendered this May, with construction starting in the late summer of 2026.
- CN Bridge (Merritton to Dixie): The design for the new underpass will now be led by CN, which means the schedule is outside our control. The current expectation is that construction will begin in 2028.
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Tamil Heritage Month and Thai Pongal
Thank you MP Juanita Nathan and your team for an excellent and enjoyable celebration. Great to enjoy time with friends and neighbours. Great entertainment and food.
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Grillies Grand Opening
Mayor Ashe and I were pleased to welcome Grillies to Pickering at the South East corner of Brock Road and Bayley. We enjoyed fresh and delicious tacos and burritos amongst a selection of food items. It is going to be very popular in this area.
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WATR Grand Opening
WATR, Pickering’s new waterfront restaurant is now open! Great staff and amazing food. If you are in the area, stop in - you'll be glad you did!
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Eid Celebrations
It was my pleasure and an honour to join the Pickering Islamic Centre today as we gather to celebrate the joyous occasion of Eid ul-Fitr. I brought greetings on behalf of Mayor Ashe and Council. It is a time to come together in gratitude, to repair and strengthen relationships, and to renew our commitment to caring for one another.
Once again, Eid Mubarak to you and your love ones who celebrate.
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Holi Event at Devi Mandir
On Saturday, March 12, as Deputy Mayor, I was once again pleased to join the devotees of the Devi Mandir for a wonderful celebration of spring, colour, renewal, and love.
Thanks to the many volunteers and performers for an enjoyable gathering!
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Durham New Lunar Year Celebrations
As Deputy Mayor, along with Mayor Ashe and Councillor Butt and many other representatives, sponsors, performers, organizers, and people celebrating.
Thanks to the Durham Chinese Canadian Culture Centre for a wonderful event and celebration!
Happy Year of the Horse!
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Reeds’s Florists - Shops at Pickering City Centre
I dropped by Reed’s, my usual go to for flowers. Tulips are Brenda’s favourite. I found a great selection of flowers and gifts. If you are looking for something special, visit one of our local florists and support local.
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St. Paul’s on the Hill Community Food Bank
It was great to visit with the staff and wonderful volunteers of the food bank to hear of the ongoing work to assist our residents in need.
The food bank also kindly thanked the Mayor and Councillors for financial support provided to the food bank by the city on behalf of Pickering residents through community grants from casino revenues and the Mayor’s Gala event.
The food bank can always use donations and volunteers if you are able, please reach out to them.
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Councillors Open House
Where: Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Centre
When: April 29 from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Residents are invited to attend and speak with your Councillors and City staff about important community topics, including road projects, parks, recreation facilities, the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station Refurbishment, Durham Region Bus Rapid Transit/Kingston Road, Durham Regional Police Services, and other initiatives.
May 9 – Petapolooza, in Esplanade Park
May 23 & 24 – Artfest in Esplanade Park
June 19 – 21 – Pickering Rotary Ribfest in Esplanade Park
July 1 – Canada Day
Esplanade Park from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Kinsmen Park – 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
August 7 – 9 – Pickering Food Truck Festival
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Thank you for taking the time to read this eNewsletter. I welcome your feedback and comments. You can reach me by email at dpickles@pickering.ca. To continue the conversation between eNewsletters, I invite you to visit my Facebook and website pages.
I also invite you to forward this eNewsletter to other Pickering residents. If they, or someone you know, wishes to subscribe to my eNewsletter or any other City related eNewsletters, visit pickering.ca/eNews to sign-up. eNewsletters are sent out a maximum of once per month and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
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