City Centre Park

The City of Pickering has endorsed the final design concept for City Centre Park, a major step in transforming Pickering’s downtown into a vibrant, connected, and people-focused destination.

Located on the west side of Glenanna Road (across from Pickering City Hall), the park will be created on 1.42 acres of repurposed surface parking - laying the foundation for a more connected and iconic downtown.

This new destination will offer dynamic, multi-season experiences for people of all ages - winter skating, spring flowers, summer concerts, and autumn fairs - offering shared experiences that turn into abundant opportunities for community connection.

Subject to 2027 budget approval, the project is anticipated to be tendered in spring 2027, with construction expected to begin in summer 2027. Construction of the park features is expected to take approximately 12 months.

Park Features

Public input was a high priority for Mayor and Council, and staff reviewed all feedback to develop a final design that combines the strongest elements from three earlier concepts, ensuring this signature public space will reflect the community’s key priorities.

Park features include:

large central gathering and event space
summer misting feature
outdoor skating rink and skating trails (winter)
public washroom and maintenance facilities
public art installations
shaded seating area
trees and soft landscaping
public seating and gathering areas

View full size 3D rendering (CentreCourt). Park lands are shown across from City Hall (Southwest view) at Glenanna Road and Esplanade North.

Read Report ENG 08-26 for details.

Location of the Park - Land Dedication

As part of the broader mall redevelopment, CentreCourt is conveying 0.5753 hectares (1.42 acres) of parkland to the City to support the construction of City Centre Park. The park will be built on the existing parking lot directly across from Glenanna Road and the Pickering Civic Complex.

Through the development application process, the City successfully negotiated a 10% land conveyance for parkland - double the minimum required under the Planning Act (5%).

About CentreCourt

CentreCourt is leading the redevelopment of the Pickering Town Centre lands, delivering a 55-acre mixed-use community. This transformative development will include residential towers, retail, commercial spaces, and renewed public areas - anchored by a revitalized shopping destination now known as The Shops at Pickering City Centre.

With thousands of new residents expected to call City Centre home, this redevelopment will unlock exciting opportunities for dining, shopping, and entertainment. Lululemon has already opened its doors, and Sephora is among the newest confirmed tenants.

This evolution supports a more diverse, inclusive, and resilient downtown - fueling economic vitality and enhancing quality of life for the entire community.

View CentreCourt media release for project details.

The importance of downtowns for cities

Downtowns play a vital role in economic and social development in cities around the world. Such an investment requires a multi-year process of significant site and infrastructure preparation that may result in delays and inconvenience for residents and visitors to the City Centre. The staff project team will work with development partners to ensure clear and timely communications related to all service and route impacts due to construction, which is anticipated to start later this year. The City appreciates that revitalization efforts can bring short-term challenges, but is confident that the stakeholders will do everything in their power to mitigate disruption as much as possible. The long-term value of a thriving downtown will be a source of pride and joy for generations to come.

Project Background & Timeline

City Centre Planning (2017-Present)

The City began planning the revitalization of the City Centre in 2017. Initial concepts were based on a joint development model, which is no longer feasible. The City is now focused on building out the vision using lands it already owns, while reusing as much previously completed work as possible to avoid starting from scratch. View a timeline of the project here.

Phase One - City Centre Park

At the Special Council Meeting on January 18, 2024 (Report FIN 01-24), Council confirmed Pickering City Centre Project Phase One (which is the City Centre Park) as the second capital budget priority. Furthermore, Council recommended that the Mayor be requested to include this project in the 2024 Capital Budget ($1.5 million for design) and 2025-2033 Capital forecast ($13.5 million dollars for construction and related costs).

Phase Two - Future Facilities

At the Special Council Meeting on January 18, 2024 (Report FIN 01- 24), Council deferred Pickering City Centre Phase Two (Scenario 6) to 2028, pending completion of the Seaton Recreation Complex & Library.

The City’s most recent vision introduces the concept of relocating Esplanade South slightly southward to allow new facilities to front onto the Esplanade Park green space, creating a scenic, connected downtown campus.

The proposed facilities and amenities for City Centre include:

new Central Library
new Community Centre with dedicated seniors & youth spaces
new Performing Arts Centre
expanded City Hall administration space
new Public Square
new connected green spaces to create a ‘campus’ concept – one on the west side of Glenanna Road (description below) to offer year-round activities and one south of the current Central Library which will offer gathering opportunities and possible event space
residential development – to be located above the Library and Community Centre

This vision reflects Pickering’s ambition to build an inclusive, forward-thinking downtown - where civic life, culture, and community flourish.