Pickering, Ontario
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| Pickering, Ontario | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Pickering |
| Settlement type | City (lower-tier) |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | Canada |
| Subdivision type1 | Province |
| Subdivision name1 | Ontario |
| Subdivision type2 | Regional municipality |
| Subdivision name2 | Durham Region |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Kevin Ashe |
| Leader title1 | Governing body |
| Leader name1 | Pickering City Council |
| Area total km2 | 231.59 |
| Population total | 99,186 |
| Population as of | 2021 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | EST |
| Utc offset | −5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | −4 |
| Coordinates | 43, 50, 18, N... |
| Elevation m | 83.8 |
| Postal code type | Forward sortation area |
| Postal code | L1V, L1W, L1X, L1Y |
| Area code | 905, 289, 365, 742 |
| Website | https://www.pickering.ca/ |
Pickering, Ontario is a city situated on the northern shore of Lake Ontario within the Regional Municipality of Durham. It is a key eastern suburb of Toronto, forming part of the Greater Toronto Area and serving as a significant residential and economic hub. The city is known for its blend of suburban communities, extensive parklands, and major infrastructure projects, including the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, with European settlement beginning in the late 18th century. The township was named after the town of Pickering in England and was formally established in 1811 as part of York County. Its development was spurred by the construction of the Grand Trunk Railway and later the Canadian Pacific Railway, which connected it to Toronto and Montreal. The post-World War II boom and the creation of the planned community of Seaton in the 1970s accelerated its growth from a rural township into a major suburban city, culminating in its incorporation as a city in 2000.
Geography
The city encompasses a diverse landscape stretching from the waterfront of Lake Ontario northward to the Oak Ridges Moraine. Major waterways include Duffins Creek and the Rouge River, which flow through significant natural areas like the Duffins Creek and Rouge National Urban Park. The shoreline features the prominent Frenchman's Bay and the Pickering Waterfront Trail, while the northern areas are characterized by the rolling hills of the moraine and extensive tracts of protected Greenbelt land.
Demographics
According to the 2021 Canadian census, the population was 99,186, reflecting steady growth as part of the Greater Toronto Area. The city exhibits considerable ethnic diversity, with significant communities reporting origins from the United Kingdom, India, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Jamaica. Languages such as Tamil, Punjabi, and Tagalog are widely spoken alongside English. Major religious affiliations include Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism.
Economy
The economy is anchored by several major employers and sectors, including the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station operated by Ontario Power Generation and the proposed Pickering Airport lands. The Durham Live entertainment complex and the Pickering Town Centre serve as significant commercial and retail hubs. Other key economic drivers include advanced manufacturing, logistics centered around Highway 401 and Highway 407, and the automotive parts industry, with companies like Magna International having a presence in the region.
Culture and recreation
The city hosts numerous cultural events and facilities, including the annual Pickering Dragon Boat Festival at Frenchman's Bay and performances at the Pickering Civic Complex. Recreational amenities are extensive, featuring the Pickering Museum Village, the Nautical Village community, and over 120 parks and trails such as those in the Greenwood Conservation Area. Sports are catered to by facilities like the Pickering Recreation Complex and the Don Beer Arena, and the city maintains strong ties to institutions like the University of Ontario Institute of Technology in nearby Oshawa.
Government and infrastructure
The city is governed by the Pickering City Council, led by Mayor Kevin Ashe, and forms part of the federal riding of Pickering—Uxbridge and the provincial riding of Pickering—Uxbridge. Critical infrastructure includes the GO Transit Lakeshore East line stations at Pickering GO Station and Ajax GO Station, providing rail connection to Union Station. Major transportation corridors are Highway 401 and Highway 407, while essential services are provided by the Durham Regional Police Service, Durham Region Transit, and the Lakeridge Health network, which includes the Ajax and Pickering hospital.
Category:Cities in Ontario Category:Durham Region