City of Pickering Official Plan- Edition 6

Principles for Growth and Development
In the Introduction, a preliminary “vision” for Pickering is
described. This vision can be translated into a set of guiding
principles for Pickering’s future growth and development.
1.3 City Council recognizes the following as its
guiding principles in planning Pickering’s
future growth and development,
CITY POLICY
Guiding Principles
(a) to meet people’s needs while ensuring
environmentally appropriate actions;
(b) to become more self-sufficient while
seeking broader connections;
(c) to support individual rights while
upholding community goals;
(d) to welcome diversity while respecting
local context; and
(e) to manage change while recognizing
uncertainty.
Community development in Pickering (as elsewhere) is
aimed at meeting people’s needs, and attempting to fulfill
their aspirations. Needs are complex and often intertwined.
For instance, economic development is an important
objective. However, our economic prosperity is ultimately
tied to our ability to maintain healthy ecological and social
systems.
Principle 1: To meet
people’s needs while
ensuring environmentally
appropriate actions.
In general, needs fall into four broad categories:
survival (food, shelter, security, clean air and water,
and a healthy natural environment);
integration (belonging, participation and affection);
access (to activities, places, resources, information
and meaningful work); and
autonomy (identity, self-esteem, personal freedom,
self-expression and creativity).
Clearly, people’s needs and aspirations should only be met in
environmentally responsible ways. To do this requires:
PICKERING OFFICIAL PLAN EDITION 6: Chapter One -- Guiding Principles 13