Pickering Project Wins Provincial Excellence in Design Award

PICKERING, ON, March 8 /CNW/ - The landmark Pickering Recreation Complex expansion has won the 2010 Parks and Recreation Ontario Excellence in Design Award.

The much-anticipated $4.5 million project was unveiled to a great deal of hoopla and fanfare on September 19, 2009. Thousands of excited residents streamed through the Recreation Complex that day and marveled at the wealth of new features which included: a major retrofit of the HVAC and lighting systems; a sustainable green roof; three new fitness and aerobics studios; and a pair of doubles squash courts.

Each year, Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO) recognizes and honours the achievements of people and organizations that contribute to the development of parks and recreation in the province. The Pickering Recreation Complex project stood out, because it was innovative, sustainable, improved accessibility, and engaged its community. As such, the City of Pickering is proud to have won the Excellence in Design Award, considered to be PRO's most prestigious honour. The awards ceremony will take place on April 8th at PRO's Stars of 2010 Gala Awards event in Niagara Falls.

"When it first opened over 25 years ago, the Pickering Recreation Complex was coined the 'People's Place', as it truly helped bring our community together," said Thomas J. Quinn, CAO. "I am proud that these significant facility enhancements and upgrades will ensure that it continues to be the veritable heart and soul of our community for another quarter century."

"The Pickering Recreation Complex is a world-class facility, and winning this major award has reaffirmed its leadership status," said Mayor Dave Ryan. "Congratulations to our CAO, Thomas Quinn, and his staff for their outstanding efforts in not only building upon our sports and recreational landscape, but also strengthening the very fabric of our community."

As the gateway city to the east GTA, Pickering (population 94,000) is strategically located where Toronto, York and Durham Regions meet. Pickering is an affluent community that is steeped in history, natural beauty and small town charm with all the amenities and services that a big city has to offer. The City of Pickering is considered a municipal leader in fiscal management, service delivery, sustainability and the environment; and offers a wealth of sports, leisure and recreation opportunities to its residents. Pickering has been recognized by Profit magazine as one of the ten best cities in Canada for growth companies and received the 2008 FCM-CH2M Hill Sustainable Community Planning Award.

For further information: Media Contact: Name: Mark Guinto, Title: Coordinator, Public Affairs, Office of the Mayor, Email address: [email protected], Phone number: [phone] ext. 2013, TTY: [phone]