Mayor's Message

Dear Friends, 

As one of the GTA’s fastest-growing communities, with strong population gains, major development underway, and robust economic investment, Pickering continues to evolve and position itself as a staple in the province and country. As we celebrate our continued achievements, I remain confident that our future remains unfalteringly bright—and gratified to be a part of this community that I so deeply value. 

Our city is defined by a strong sense of pride and achievement—evident in the developers shaping our future neighbourhoods and the businesses whose innovation reaches across Canada. We have recently been recognized as Ontario’s Municipality of the Year for events, earned the provincial Age-Friendly status, and secured major funding after exceeding housing targets in recent years, underscoring our momentum as a fast-growing, inclusive, and culturally vibrant city. Yet I continue to be amazed and proud of our strong sense of community and the humanity of our fellow citizens, who repeatedly step up and help each other. 

In 2025, we surpassed previous years and raised over one million dollars for our charities. I thank all of you who generously supported my prior galas. The Pickering Mayor’s Gala is Durham Region’s signature black-tie charity fundraiser, bringing together our community’s leaders and businesses to raise funds that will support our local hospital, along with the many organizations that make a difference in the lives of our youth and to all those in need. 

I am so pleased to announce that this year’s charitable recipients will be the Canadian Mental Health Association Durham, Sloane’s House, the Starlight Children’s Foundation, the Ajax Pickering Hospital Foundation, the Carion Fenn Foundation, and St. Paul’s on-the-Hill Community Food Bank. 

The ongoing support of our partners and sponsors has been essential to the success of our gala, and no doubt to our city. Their continued commitment is essential to our growth and development. I share my humble appreciation to their continued dedication to being part of this event and our community. 

We invite and welcome sponsors to discover the excitement of the Pickering Mayor’s Gala and support outstanding causes and this incredible city. We look forward to celebrating our brilliant future with you and welcoming you to the Supper Club. 

Kevin Ashe