City of Pickering invites community to help shape future accessibility improvements

Pickering, ON, October 21, 2026 – The City of Pickering is inviting residents, caregivers, and community organizations to participate in a series of upcoming focus groups to help shape its Multi-Year Accessibility Plan.

Building on earlier public consultation, the City is expanding opportunities to hear directly from people who experience accessibility barriers, as well as those who support and advocate for them.

The focus groups will provide an opportunity for participants to share their experiences, identify challenges, and suggest improvements to City services, programs, facilities, and public spaces.

Feedback will help inform the City's accessibility priorities over the next five years and guide efforts to create a more inclusive and welcoming community.

Upcoming accessibility focus groups

To support broader participation, the City is offering both in-person and virtual sessions tailored to different community groups.

People with disabilities and individuals with lived experience of accessibility barriers

• Tuesday, November 3, 9:30 to 11 am (in-person)
• Tuesday, November 10, 7 to 8:30 pm (virtual)

Family members, caregivers, and support persons

• Tuesday, November 3, 1:30 to 3 pm (in-person)
• Thursday, November 12, 7 to 8:30 pm (virtual)

Community organizations, service providers, and partners

• Thursday, November 5, 9:30 to 11 am (in-person)
• Tuesday, November 17, 7 to 8:30 pm (virtual)

All in-person focus groups listed above will take place at the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex (O'Brien Room). Refreshments will be served.

Participants who register for a virtual session will receive meeting details by email in advance of their session.

Additional in-person session

For individuals unable to attend their designated focus group, an additional session will be offered on Thursday, November 5, from 1:30 to 3:30 pm at the Pickering Central Library.

Accessibility affects how people navigate public spaces, access information, and interact with municipal services, programs, and facilities. By hearing directly from the community, the City can better understand what is working, where barriers remain, and which improvements will have the greatest impact.

Residents who are unable to attend a focus group are also encouraged to provide feedback through the City's online accessibility survey at LetsTalkPickering.ca/Accessible.

Register using the online form or by contacting the City’s Accessibility Coordinator. 

Accessibility Coordinator

Timothy Higgins 
905.420.4660 ext. 3608 
thiggins@pickering.ca

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As the gateway to the east GTA, Pickering (population 118,000) is strategically located where Toronto, York and Durham Regions meet. An award-winning municipality, Pickering is slated for significant economic and residential growth; offering an unparalleled quality of life for those who live, work, and play here. Its dynamic City Centre has been designated by the Province of Ontario as both an Urban Growth Centre and Mobility Hub, and continues to evolve as a preferred destination for creative learning, memorable events, and unique experiences at the heart of a vibrant, connected, and engaged community.