Pickering homeowners will see a 3.81 per cent increase on the average residential property tax bill this year, after Council approved the City's 2026 tax rates at its April 27 meeting. The City's own share of that increase is 1.06 per cent, with the remainder coming from the Region of Durham and school board portions, according to a City of Pickering news release.
Final property tax instalments are due June 25 and September 25, 2026. The City said it will post reminders on its website and social media channels.
Two new parks approved for Claremont and Seaton
Council also approved a Park Construction Agreement with Claremont Developments Inc. for Forsyth Park, a new neighbourhood park serving the Clarehaven Estates subdivision and the wider Claremont community. Plans call for a soccer pitch, a farm-themed playground, a multi-use sport court, a gazebo with amphitheatre-style seating, shade structures and lit walking paths.
The park will honour the heritage of the former Forsyth farmstead with interpretive features, including reused barn beams, public art and plaques telling the story of the site and village.
A second agreement with Mattamy (Seaton) Limited will see Dave Ryan Community Park built near Alexander Knox Road and Mulberry Lane in the growing Seaton neighbourhood. It is set to include a lit soccer pitch, lit ball diamond, tennis and pickleball courts, playground, splash pad, basketball area, comfort station and on-site parking.
Major redevelopment planned at 1755 Pickering Parkway
Council approved Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments for a major mixed-use development at 1755 Pickering Parkway, near Brock Road and Highway 401. The revised proposal would turn an underutilized commercial site into a phased, high-density community with housing, commercial and office space, and public parkland.
The plan includes affordable housing units, family-sized units and the potential for a future urban-format school if required by school boards. The City said the updated concept reflects feedback from staff, agencies and the public, with reduced building heights, fewer residential units, more parkland and improved parking and road design.
Council also approved amendments to permit a retail-commercial plaza in Seaton, south of Taunton Road between Burkholder Drive and Peter Matthews Drive, that could bring a grocery store, pharmacy, daycare, restaurants and personal services closer to residents.
Other decisions
Council retained Colliers Project Leaders Inc. to provide project management support for the Seaton Recreation Complex & Library, one of the City's largest infrastructure projects. The facility is in the design development phase, with tendering anticipated in 2027.
A contract was awarded for storm sewer improvements on Pike Court, including a rear-yard catch basin connected to the existing sewer on Rosebank Road, aimed at addressing local flooding concerns. Council also awarded a contract for asphalt resurfacing on multiple City streets through the 2026 Capital Budget.
Council passed a by-law to support business continuity should it enter a "lame duck" period before the October 26 municipal election, a standard measure under the Municipal Act that delegates authority only if needed, with reporting back to Council.
An update on the 2025 Environmental Schools Grant noted eight schools across the Durham District School Board, Durham Catholic District School Board and Viamonde School Board received funding for student-led projects such as pollinator gardens and active transportation campaigns.
The Recommendation Report for the Northeast Pickering Secondary Plan, originally expected April 27, was rescheduled to a Special Council Meeting on May 20 under Mayoral Decision #11-2026, so no decision was made at the April meeting. Agenda and minutes are available at events.pickering.ca/council.
