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July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Field Notes • Canada Places

Pickering, Ontario

Pickering is a city in southern Ontario, Canada, located on the north shore of Lake Ontario immediately east of Toronto in Durham Region.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Pickering is a city in southern Ontario, on Lake Ontario east of Toronto. It is part of Durham Region and the Greater Toronto Area, known for its waterfront and the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station.

What it is

Pickering is a suburban city incorporated in 2000, located immediately east of Toronto along the Lake Ontario shoreline. It is part of the Regional Municipality of Durham and the Greater Toronto Area, offering a mix of residential neighborhoods, parks, and conservation areas.

Why it matters

As a key commuting hub in the eastern GTA, Pickering provides housing and employment, most notably through the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, which supplies a significant portion of Ontario's electricity. Its growth reflects broader suburban expansion in the region.

Key details

The 2021 census recorded a population of 99,186. The city is known for its waterfront, trails, and outdoor recreation, and is nicknamed Millennium City. It borders Scarborough (Toronto) to the west and Ajax to the east.

In short

  • City on Lake Ontario east of Toronto
  • Population 99,186 (2021)
  • Home to Pickering Nuclear Generating Station
  • Incorporated as a city in 2000
Canadian angle

Pickering is a major Greater Toronto Area city in Ontario, important for regional commuting, housing, and electricity generation. Its nuclear station is a significant part of Ontario’s energy system.

Quick questions

What is Pickering, Ontario known for?
Pickering is known for its Lake Ontario waterfront, parks and trails, suburban growth, and the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station.
Is Pickering, Ontario a good place to live?
It is commonly described as a desirable suburban city because of its waterfront setting, access to Toronto, and mix of urban amenities and green space. Whether it is “good” depends on individual priorities.
How far is Pickering from Toronto?
Pickering is about 40 to 43 kilometres east of Toronto, depending on the reference used.

Sources

  1. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/pickering
    Supports: Location east of Toronto, incorporation as a city in 2000, population figures, and the role of the nuclear generating station.
  2. City of Pickering — https://www.pickering.ca/business-building-development/community-profile/
    Supports: City location, community profile, diversity, waterfront setting, and municipal identity.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pickering,_Ontario
    Supports: 2021 population, nuclear generating station details, and general city facts.
  4. Durham Region Tourism — https://www.durham.ca/en/tourism/city-of-pickering.aspx
    Supports: General description of Pickering as a community on the shores of Lake Ontario.