Ontario Starts Construction on Pickering Nuclear Refurbishment

The project will extend the life of Pickering's four CANDU reactors by up to 38 years, creating approximately 30,500 jobs annually during construction and 7,500 jobs across Canada over its lifespan. Built with Canadian technology and a made-in-Ontario supply chain, the refurbishment is expected to contribute $41.6 billion to Canada's GDP, with more than 90 per cent of project spending staying in Ontario and Canada.

Pickering New Home to Ace Bakery

FGF Brands has recently announced that Pickering's Innovation Corridor will soon be the new home of ACE Bakery. ACE Bakery produces artisan breads - such as sourdough loaves, baguettes, ciabatta, and other favourites - enjoyed in restaurants and homes across North America.

Nearly three years in the making, this new facility marks the first phase of the FGF Innovation Park. Once complete, the development will include three manufacturing facilities and a distribution centre - totalling more than 1,000,000 square feet and creating over 1,000 new jobs in Pickering.

FGF Brands, part of the FGF Group of Companies, is a Canadian company with major food brands including Stonefire, ACE Bakery, Wonder, Country Harvest, and D'Italiano.

Canada Strong: Tariff Supports for Businesses Webinar

If the US Tariffs have impacted your business, please join this upcoming webinar on Thursday, October 15th.

The Durham Economic Task Force (DETF) is working closely with our federal, provincial, and local partners to support your business. The BDC and Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario will share eligibility information on the BDC Tariff Support Program and the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, designed to help your business counter the effects of tariffs by preserving cash flow, diversifying markets or buying equipment.

Eastbound Highway 401 On-Ramp at Brock Road is Now Accessible to Northbound Traffic

The eastbound Highway 401 on-ramp at Brock Road is now accessible to northbound traffic following the completion of line painting. 

For northbound traffic on Brock Road accessing the eastbound on-ramp, there is one through lane and one through/right-turn lane. 

For southbound traffic on Brock Road, there are two through lanes available. Left turns onto the eastbound on-ramp are prohibited until Phase 3 median work is complete in December 2026. 

As part of the ongoing construction, delays can be expected. Please follow all posted signage and traffic control measures in the area. 

Government of Canada Investment to Strengthen Opportunities for Black Entrepreneurs and Businesses

Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario has announced an investment of nearly $15 million to support nine organizations in southern Ontario, including Durham Region Association of Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs (DRABPE).

DRABPE is dedicated to fostering economic growth and professional development within the Durham Region's Black community. Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, they provide networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and resources to help entrepreneurs and professionals achieve their business goals.

Small Business Week

BDC Small Business Week™ is Canada’s largest annual celebration of entrepreneurship, created by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) to recognize the contributions of entrepreneurs and small business owners across the country.

Small Business Week is an opportunity to:

• Learn from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts
• Discover practical tools and strategies you can implement immediately
• Connect with other business owners facing similar opportunities and challenges
• Explore new ways to grow, improve efficiency, and strengthen your business
• Access the support, programs, and resources available throughout Durham Region

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Programs Food-Link Fund 

The Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Food-Link Fund Intake period opens from October 14, 2026 to December 11, 2026.

The program aims to:

• support the expansion of existing facilities, modernization, and/or establishment of food hubs that enhance the storage, aggregation, processing, and distribution of food
• support investments in regional infrastructure, equipment, and logistics capacity that connect local producers and enhance supply chain efficiency
• lower barriers to entry for small and medium-sized businesses and increase competition within regional food systems

Grand Openings and Milestones

Grand Openings

EnVision Consultants Ltd. is a privately held Canadian engineering consulting firm, led by a group of senior professionals with extensive experience across environmental, geotechnical, and infrastructure sectors.

Speech Specialists provides individualized speech therapy services delivered by a collaborative team of registered Speech Language Pathologists and trained Communicative Disorders Assistants.

Pickering Walk-in & Family Practice believes in providing accessible medicine, treating every individual with dignity and respect while providing the highest standard of care.

Mazar Restaurant celebrates the heart of Afghan cuisine, from fragrant Kabuli rice to succulent grilled kebabs and fresh and vibrant salads, all prepared with the finest ingredients and time-honoured recipes.

Pinewood Natural Health Centre's team of health professionals provides quality, customized health care to address a variety of health issues.

Milestones

Congratulations to Mobile Vacuum on their 40th milestone anniversary! A family-owned and operated business, they are committed to unmatched customer service, based on years of experience selling and repairing vacuums with a wide range of makes and models.

Congratulations to Search Engine People Inc. on 25 years! Located in Pickering's city centre, Search Engine People Inc. is a digital marketing agency specializing in SEO, SEM, and PPC strategies that deliver measurable results.