Construction has begun on the first two condominiums at Pickering City Centre, with site servicing underway for new roads, utilities and a park across from City Hall to accommodate future phases of the 55-acre mixed-use community.
Developer CentreCourt said the towers will reach 40 and 45 storeys, bringing 974 homes to the downtown core. Once fully developed, the community will feature 6,000 homes spread across more than 10 towers, alongside a revitalized shopping centre that has already welcomed new leases from various retailers like Sephora and Lululemon.
The development will also include new street-level retail and extensive public spaces that extend into the residential community. The park, replacing an existing parking lot, will offer year-round amenities like winter skating, summer splash pads, and cultural event spaces.
The progress was made possible by the City of Pickering and Region of Durham’s innovative development charge deferral policy, which helped advance the initiative. Under this policy, CentreCourt will pay development charges at first occupancy rather than at the time of building permit issuance.
“This policy has been instrumental in allowing construction to begin at a time when many projects across the province are stalled,” adds Mitch Gascoyne, partner and senior vice-president of development. “By collecting fees at occupancy, the City and Region are maintaining fiscal responsibility while accelerating the delivery of much-needed housing. It’s the kind of smart, collaborative approach our industry needs right now.”
Architecture firm Diamond Schmitt designed a connected network of wide streets, green spaces, and urban plazas, anchored by a landmark 55-storey tower, the tallest building in Pickering. Direct links to City Hall and the Go Station will add to the transit-friendly vibe.
“Pickering City Centre represents an unmatched opportunity to reimagine a beloved community hub as a modern downtown destination,” said Gavin Cheung, Managing Partner and President of CentreCourt. “ We’re proud to be part of this transformation, delivering a complete community that blends exceptional residential, retail, commercial, and public spaces for residents and visitors alike.”
