During Canada Day celebrations on July 1, the City of Pickering announced a new milestone for its upcoming community facility: the Pickering Heritage & Community Centre will officially be named the Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre, following the approval of a $1 million naming rights agreement.
The 15-year agreement with Dorsay Development Corporation was approved by Pickering Council at its June 23 meeting. While the facility is not yet open to the public, the announcement marks a key step forward in the project’s progress.
Located at 2365 6th Concession Road on the upper site of the Pickering Museum Village, the 44,000 square-foot facility is set to open in spring 2026. Once complete, it will include:
- An exhibit gallery
- A multi-purpose hall
- A kitchen suitable for public programming
- A Library Express Kiosk and Local History Experience Centre
- Collections storage
- A gift shop
- Outdoor program spaces
The facility is also being designed as a rental venue for weddings, celebrations, corporate functions, and other milestone events.
As part of the agreement, the name Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre will be featured on the building’s exterior. Inside, a Dorsay-branded meeting room and interior signage will also recognize the partnership.
“We are proud to secure this naming rights agreement with Dorsay Development Corporation,” said Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe. “Naming rights partnerships provide a creative, fiscally responsible way to generate alternative revenue, allowing the city to invest in core services and programs community members depend on. This agreement reflects Pickering’s commitment to financial sustainability and economic leadership, and supports our broader vision of a connected, prosperous, and inclusive city. As Pickering’s first new community centre in decades, we look forward to providing year-round access to diverse programs, services, and cultural experiences that reflect the needs of the growing community.”
Dorsay Development Corporation has proposed several projects in the future community of Northeast Pickering, a planned area combining residential and employment zones. The new facility is expected to serve as a hub for these emerging neighbourhoods.
“Dorsay is honoured to support a space that will celebrate Pickering’s past while helping shape its future,” said Geoffrey Grayhurst, CEO of Dorsay Development Corporation. “As we continue to help build Northeast Pickering into a thriving, complete community, we see the Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre as a cornerstone of connection – a place where stories are shared, culture is celebrated, and neighbours come together.”