PICKERING: The Ontario government will boost economic growth and create more than 10,000 jobs by speeding up the development of Durham Live – a major tourist and entertainment destination in the Durham Region.
A Minister’s Zoning Order has been made at the request of the City of Pickering, and with the support of the Regional Municipality of Durham, to expedite the construction of the project.
“Our government has been clear that we are going to bring shovel-ready projects online faster,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
“We are proud that this project- which will create more than 10,000 jobs – has the support of the City of Pickering and the Regional Government in Durham.”
The 240-acre development will include a casino, performing arts centre, film studio, hotels, restaurants, convention centre, mixed employment zone and a warehousing and logistics zone.
“This is a game-changer for residents of Pickering and Durham Region. This decision will help produce high quality, well-paying jobs including, once fully built out, the largest film studio in Canada,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge.
Through a development agreement, the City of Pickering, the Region of Durham and the proponent have rectified concerns related to traffic congestion and overpass issues. As a result, the proponent will undertake traffic studies and complete the required intersections and the Notion Road overpass.
“The Minister’s decision to support the Durham Live development will be a great economic driver for Durham Region. Durham Live is expected to bring 10,000 jobs in total once completed. Intersection improvements, traffic studies and affordable housing components are just some of the other benefits of this development,” said John Henry, CEO & Regional Chair of Durham Region.
“The City of Pickering, Members of Council, and residents thank the Government of Ontario
for its continued support of the Durham Live project. Now that the outstanding traffic and environmental concerns have been satisfactorily addressed, we are eager to move forward on this transformational project,” said Pickering Mayor Dave Ryan.
“Durham Live is a project that has created over 2500 jobs to date. Additionally, there will be 1500 new jobs be at Tribro Studios. This MZO lays the foundation for thousands of more jobs,” said Steve Apostolopoulos, Managing Partner for Triple Group of Companies.
The Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and the proponent have also signed an agreement for compensation that, pending the outcome of an assessment, would lead to the creation of ecological benefits that meet or exceed any loss to the natural system, with priority given to lands within the Frenchman’s Bay and the Duffins Creek watershed.