Pickering Village

History:

Timothy Rogers led a group of Quaker families from the United States to this area between 1801 and 1807. Rogers built a saw and grist mill along Duffins Creek that became the focal point of the community. The settlement grew into a prosperous farming hamlet. The arrival of the Grand Trunk Railway in 1856 was another impetus for growth. This community was originally known as Duffins Creek. The name was later changed to Pickering Village in the 1870s. The Village Bell monument on Old Kingston Road serves as a reminder of the volunteer fire brigade that was an integral part of this community in the late 1800s.

The Memorial Park Gates and Cenotaph on Church Street North have been a focal point in the community since they were erected in 1922 to pay respects for residents who served in the First World War. Memorial Park has been the venue for many Pickering Village community events and festivals over the years. By 1953 Pickering had a large enough population that it was incorporated as an official village. In 1974 when Durham Region was formed, Pickering Village became part of the newly formed Town of Ajax.

Overview:

Now let me get this straight; the Pickering Village neighbourhood is located in the Town of Ajax and not in the Town of Pickering to the west? That is correct. In an odd twist of fate when the region of Durham was formed in 1974 Pickering Village formerly part of Pickering Township became part of Ajax. Regardless of which township it belongs to Pickering Village has retained its own identity and a strong sense of community. The heart of the village is situated along Old Kingston Road and Church Street where quaint heritage buildings line the main commercial corridors for the neighbourhood.

Lifestyle:

The heritage district along Old Kingston Road and along Church Street is lined with beautiful heritage buildings that are a century old and still flourishing as retail, restaurant and office space. These shopping corridors have been filled in with newer shopping plazas that contain a plethora of shops and restaurants. The Courtyards a large Tudor style shopping complex on Kingston Road is situated at the gateway to Pickering Village. This shopping destination contains popular restaurants and retail boutiques.

Homes:

The south part of this neighbourhood consists of a mix of heritage buildings, ranch style bungalows and one-and-a-half storey houses. At the north end of the neighbourhood you will find a large subdivision of newer homes. These large brick homes include Georgian and Colonial designs with built-in garages.

Recreation:

The Village Community Arena located at 100 Church Street North is a neighbourhood hub that offers public skating and organized hockey leagues.

The Ajax Community Centre (ACC), located at 75 Centennial Road is a prominent recreational facility in central Ajax. This community centre features: meeting rooms, an ice arena and a pool. Outside facilities include a skateboard park, basketball court, an artificial turf field, soccer fields, and tennis courts, The ACC is also the home of the Ajax Soccer Club Clubhouse and Ajax Cricket Club.

Arts:

Village Community Centre is a quaint one-storey building located at 22 Sherwood Rd W. This is artfully decorated minimalist building is home of the Creative Arts and the Village Arts and crafts clubs.

St. Francis Centre located at 78 Church Street is a fantastic arts based venue situated in a historic church that dates back to 1871. This multi purpose centre features a stage, retractable theatre seating for 150, reception/meeting space, glass atrium, bar, catering kitchen, theatrical light, sound and audio-visual capabilities. This flexible programming space is able to accommodate a variety of private and community-based programming including a myriad of arts and cultural programming such as theatre, exhibitions, films, musical performances, concerts, recitals, corporate and social receptions, lectures and workshop space.