OPG agreement brings up to $20 million in commitments

Pickering council has authorized a Municipal Infrastructure and Servicing Agreement with Ontario Power Generation that locks in significant commitments tied to the nuclear station's refurbishment plans in the city.

Under the deal, OPG will contribute up to $10 million toward the design and construction of Fire Hall #5, and up to $10 million toward the City's acquisition of 591 Liverpool Road, according to the City of Pickering's council highlights.

OPG is also carrying out rehabilitation work on Sandy Beach Road and reconstruction of Montgomery Park Road in connection with the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station refurbishment project. City staff described the agreement as a way to protect Pickering's financial and operational interests while coordinating long-term with one of the city's largest employers.

Mansfield House designation upheld

Councillors declined an objection from the property owner's legal representative and affirmed an earlier decision to designate 681 Pleasant Street — the Mansfield House — under the Ontario Heritage Act.

The designation recognizes the property's physical character, historical associations and connection to the surrounding area. The by-law will return to council for enactment, and staff have been directed to defend the city's position if the matter is appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal.

Cultural and economic plans move ahead

Residents will get another chance to weigh in on three draft plans — the Cultural Strategic Plan, Museum Strategic Plan and Art in Public Spaces Plan — when they are released for a final public consultation phase this month. The plans are meant to guide cultural programming, museum services and public art for the next decade, with a focus on placemaking, intercultural arts, youth and family programming, and the future of Pickering Museum Village.

Council also endorsed Building Our Future, the city's Economic Development Strategic Plan for 2026–2030, which sets out priorities for investment attraction, business growth, job creation and expanding the non-residential tax base.

Parks, roads and traffic changes

A contract was approved to replace playgrounds at Bay Ridges Kinsmen Park, Clearside Park, Glengrove Park and Pinegrove Park, and to build fitness stations at East Woodlands Park, Alex Robertson Park and Glengrove Park. The tender went to Gray's Landscaping & Snow Removal Inc., with some costs offset by a provincial Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund grant.

New parking and stopping restrictions were approved on sections of Azalea Avenue, Canso Drive, Earl Grey Avenue and Twyn Rivers Drive, along with an all-way stop at Palmers Sawmill Road and Four Seasons Lane. The changes respond to resident concerns about safety, visibility and parking activity.

Council also awarded tenders for the Sixth Concession Road reconstruction and Greenwood Bridge rehabilitation between Highway 7 and Greenwood Road, with construction going to Nuroad Construction Limited. A heritage permit for Phase 1 of the Whitevale Road reconstruction, between Golf Club Road and West Duffins Creek, was approved with conditions protecting the Whitevale Heritage Conservation District, including tree preservation, vibration monitoring and arborist oversight.

Other decisions

Council received a milestone report confirming the Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre is open to the public, substantially complete and under budget. The facility combines community programming, heritage services, cultural space and public amenities under one roof.

An update on the 2026 Corporate Asset Management Plan showed progress on inspections, maintenance compliance and fire asset readiness, while flagging ongoing challenges in roads, structures, culvert inspections and long-term funding alignment.

Councillors also endorsed accessibility advice directing staff to review the reliability of automatic and accessible doors at city facilities, appointed Boghosian + Allen LLP as Integrity Commissioner and Lobbyist Registrar starting November 15, 2026, and approved the 2027 committee and council meeting schedule. The next municipal election is set for Monday, October 26, 2026.