City of Pickering Official Plan- Edition 6

(c) provide a wide range of locations for
economic activities;
(d) improve the balance between the City’s
residential and commercial-industrial tax
base; and
(e) create a major node of corporate offices
in the Downtown Core.
CITY POLICY
Economic Objectives
(cont’d)
5.3 City Council shall establish a balanced,
long-term program of local job creation
with particular emphasis on the following,
(a) emphasizing skilled, capital-intensive,
value-added jobs;
(b) targeting specific economic growth
sectors;
(c) building on existing energy producing,
conservation and environmental
businesses;
(d) supporting the development of major
economic and employment catalysts;
(e) encourage a university or community
college to locate in the City;
(f) fostering rural economic and
agricultural activities through various
initiatives including,
(i) supporting co-operative farm
businesses, marketing groups, joint
marketing of produce, producer
sourcing directories, farm fairs and
related promotions;
(ii) encouraging the investigation of
non-traditional crops, and
small-scale, organic and other
specialized farming methods; and
(iii) preparing an economic development
strategy for agricultural areas;
(g) investigating tourism opportunities
including, but not limited to the
following: Pickering Museum Village;
Frenchman’s Bay and Lake Ontario;
hiking and conservation; farm vacations;
shopping and entertainment; and
cultural and heritage features, including
scenic roads;
(h) strengthening existing businesses, and
supporting new start-up businesses
and other business incubators; and
(i) zoning to permit home occupations in
all residential areas.
CITY POLICY
Job Creation and
Diversification
An Economic Development
Strategic Plan completed for
Pickering in 1991, identified
five potential growth sectors:
aerospace
environmental industries
marine service companies
pharmaceuticals
telecommunications
Many home occupations act
as incubators for new
businesses. Also, because the
business is operated by the
occupant of the dwelling unit,
home occupations help reduce
commuting.
PICKERING OFFICIAL PLAN EDITION 6: Chapter Five -- Economic Development 102