Who Is Ronnie Pickering?

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What is Ronnie Pickering known for

It was eight years ago today that a road rage incident changed Ronnie Pickering’s life and made him an unwitting household name. On September 21, 2015 no nonsense Bransholme man Ronnie got into a spat with a moped rider close to Bransholme Fire Station in Noddle Hill Way.

Heated words were exchanged but, after a while, they both moved on with no hint of physical violence. But little did Ronnie know, he was being filmed on a GoPro and hours later he would become a YouTube sensation after the footage was uploaded. While some viral videos are a flash in the pan, there seems to be no end to this one.

Read more:

Ronnie Pickering goes viral again seven years after ‘do you know who I am’ video Ronnie Pickering reflects on fame years after viral road rage rant made him household name

That is partly down to Ronnie ending up in hundreds of memes. But in the last couple of years new life has been breathed into the phenomenon thanks to TikTok. Social media will not let Ronnie forget that infamous encounter with Ladbible posting on Instagram reminding followers it is eight years since Ronnie exploded onto the scene.

Back in 2015, TikTok wasn’t a thing. It wasn’t released in China until the following year and was only launched in 2017 globally. In the last couple of years it has become the go to platform for many – particularly the younger generation. And if you search for Ronnie on there you will see plenty of videos.

Most are comedy memes and compilations in which he features and they have brought a flurry of new followers with millions viewing videos featuring Ronnie. “I don’t think TikTok was around when it all happened,” Ronnie told Hull Live last year. “But now the younger generation are seeing the video and making new funny videos.

It has gone crazy on TikTok and there have been millions of videos featuring me which have been viewed. It just feels bizarre to me. I don’t understand it. I can’t believe it is still going after all this time and has been seen all around the world. “There is now a new generation who seem to like the video and have done some creative things with it.

It is amazing what they can do now. It only seems like five minutes ago we were using phone boxes!” Ronnie Pickering The grandfather-of-five, now 62, was dubbed “road rage Ronnie” following the incident, during which he uttered the now infamous line “Do you know who I am?” and then “I’m Ronnie Pickering.” The video got picked up by the likes of UNILAD and it then became one of the country’s best known YouTube videos.

Those phrases have now followed him ever since. On the fifth anniversary of the video, Ronnie told Hull Live how he was oblivious to the exchange with the moped rider being videoed. “I had no idea it was being filmed and the first I knew was when a friend texted me and told me it was on YouTube,” he said.

While not bitter about the video, Ronnie does question how accurate it was in representing what happened. “People have rows like that all the time but they are not always filmed,” he said. “The guy wanted a reaction and he got one. The video was heavily edited. Don’t miss a thing. Get all the latest breaking news in Hull straight to your mobile via WhatsApp by clicking here, If you don’t like our community, you can leave any time. We also treat members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.

Read our privacy notice here. The showdown was picked up by media outlets as far away as Australia and was sparked when the moped overtook Mr Pickering’s ten-year-old Citroën Xsara as they sat at the front of a queue of traffic waiting to turn right. Ronnie was seen on the clip shouting four-letter expletives and challenging the motorcyclist to take his helmet off for a “bare-knuckle fight”.

At the time, Ronnie apologised, admitted he was “out of order” and accepted he did not come out of it looking good. There has been no feud between Ronnie and the rider but they certainly aren’t friends. “The guy on the moped was an irritating fella but I have no bad feelings towards him now,” Ronnie said.

What happened to Ron Pickering?

Biography – Pickering was born in Hackney, His father was a sign fixer. He became head boy at West Ham Secondary School (later to become Stratford Grammar School and now Stratford School ) when the head girl was future wife Jean Desforges, She won a gold medal in the 4 x 100 metres relay at the 1950 European Athletics Championships, a bronze medal in the 4 x 100 metres relay at the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki (and was fifth in the 80 metres hurdles), a gold medal in the long jump at the 1954 European Athletics Championships, and bronze medals in both the long jump and 80 metres hurdles at the 1954 Commonwealth Games in Vancouver.

1. She married Pickering in 1954.
2. He did national service in the King’s Own Royal Regiment, and studied for a diploma in physical education at Carnegie College of Physical Education in Leeds and then a master’s degree in education at Leicester University,
3. He became a teacher of physical education at Stratford Grammar School and then Wanstead County High School Pickering moved to Cardiff to become national athletics coach for Wales from 1961 to 1966.

In July 1962, he and Barney Mulrenan were co-commentators for the Home Service in Wales on the Welsh Games, a weekend athletics meeting trying to rekindle the spirit of the Empire Games Pickering was a coach with the British team at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo and with the Welsh team at the 1966 Commonwealth Games in Jamaica.

He coached several Olympic athletes, including Lynn Davies, who won gold medals in the long jump at the 1964 Olympics, the 1966 European Athletics Championships and the 1966 Commonwealth Games, and also represented Britain in the 4 × 100 metres relay in Tokyo. He was recreational manager at Lee Valley Regional Park for two years before becoming an independent consultant in recreational planning management.

He was a television commentator at the 1968 Summer Olympic Games in Mexico City and continued in broadcasting for over 20 years. He was the first host of the BBC1 children’s sports programme We Are the Champions, a show he presented from 1973 until his death.

• He was known for his catchphrase, “Away you go!”, at the end of each show, at which point all the teams would jump into the swimming pool (pool events always made up the final phase of the competition).
• He also co-presented the programme Superstars from 1973 to 1985 with David Vine,
• He was a leading proponent of a scheme to use a disused banana warehouse on the Isle of Dogs as an indoor training centre, which later became the London Arena (demolished in 2006).

He was president of Haringey Athletic Club, whose members included Seb Coe and Mike McFarlane, Linford Christie dedicated his gold medal in the 100 metres at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona to Pickering. He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 1986 Birthday Honours, for services to athletics.

Pickering died at home in Digswell a few weeks after a heart bypass operation. He was survived by his wife, and their son and daughter. His son, Shaun Pickering, represented Great Britain in the shot put at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, and won a bronze medal for Wales in the shot put at the 1998 Commonwealth Games,

The Ron Pickering Memorial Fund was founded in 1991, and supports hundreds of young athletes each year. Shaun’s death, at the age of 61, was announced on 11th May 2023.

When did the Ronnie Pickering video come out?

On September 21 2015, Ronnie Pickering’s ‘road rage’ video, in which he came face to face with a moped rider, became an internet sensation and racked up millions of views.

Do you know who I am from Hull

A plaque has gone up in Hull for man who became famous after a video of his road rage row with a moped rider went viral Road rage internet ‘star’ Ronnie Pickering who famously ranted at a moped rider “Do you know who I am?” has finally been recognised – in the shape of a plaque.

1. Hull-based Pickering gained global fame in September 2015 when a video went viral in which the now 57-year-old shouted at the rider: “Do you know who I am? Ronnie Pickering” after losing his temper when the rider blocked his path.
2. Drunk Animal Creative Studio) Almost four years on, Hull-based design firm Drunk Animal Creative Studio has put up a blue plaque in Church Street just yards from where the incident took place.

It reads: “Ronnie Pickering, 2015: Became an internet sensation near here from his red Citroen Picasso.” The plaque is one in a series around the city that have been made by the studio as part of its ‘Alternative Heritage’ campaign. They celebrate niche events and the local culture in Hull.

Others include celebration of the ‘croggy’ – where someone carries a passenger on a bicycle’s handlebars – and another commemorating mathematician John Venn, Hull-born inventor of the Venn diagram, whose plaque is in the shape of overlapping circles. It doesn’t seem to be enough for Pickering himself, though.

Speaking to the Hull Daily Mail, he said: “They should have done it in gold or platinum. It deserves more than blue – it was a worldwide phenomenon. “They should be painting it gold as a one-off because I was the most famous guy in the country.”

Who is Pickering named after?

Pickering, Ontario, incorporated as a city in 2000, population 91,771 (2016 census ), 88,721 (2011 census). The city of Pickering is located 43 km east of Toronto on Lake Ontario, It was named after the town of Pickering in Yorkshire, England. Pickering is also part of the Regional Municipality of Durham.

Who founded Pickering

‘The Founding of Pickering’ Between 1801 and 1807 a settlement developed here in Pickering Township where the Danforth Road crossed Duffin’s Creek. Among the early settlers was Timothy Rogers, a prominent Quaker and colonizer who built a saw and grist-mill in 1809.

What is the origin story of Ronnie Pickering?

Who is Ronnie Pickering? – The grandfather-of-five. dubbed “road rage Ronnie”, Ronnie Pickering became famous overnight after he was caught on a GoPro camera shouting at a man on a moped in Bransholme when he shouted the famous line: “Do you know who I am?” and then “I’m Ronnie Pickering.” The phrase “I’m Ronnie Pickering” has now followed the 61-year-old throughout his life.

Hull Live reports that Pickering said: “I can’t believe it was five years ago to be honest,” he said. “I had no idea it was being filmed and the first I knew was when a friend texted me and told me it was on YouTube. “It then got picked up by the likes of UNILAD and it then became one of the country’s best known YouTube videos.

I think that along with the original YouTube upload and all the other follow-ups and memes, the video has probably had 100m views. It is a bit crazy to think how many people have seen it. “It seems to have inspired a lot more road rage videos since. There seems to have been a lot more since then.” The new social media TikTok was launched back in 2017 globally.

1. The new social media is popular with the younger generations giving Ronnie Pickering a new audience.
2. Millions have viewed videos of Pickering on TikTok with a flurry of memes and compilation videos being created on the platform.
3. HullLive, reported that Ronnie said: “I don’t think TikTok was around when it all happened,” “But now the younger generation are seeing the video and making new funny videos.

“It has gone crazy on TikTok and there have been millions of videos featuring me which have been viewed. “It just feels bizarre to me. I don’t understand it. I can’t believe it is still going after all this time and has been seen all around the world.”It is a continuing saga.

What accent do people from Hull have?

Watch: YouTube star Korean Billy learns ​Hull dialect words – Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play Like most things in this part of the world, it’s probably down to geography. Our relative isolation from the rest of the world not only means fashionable trends are usually no longer trendy by the time they reach here but it also dictates how our distinctive verbal dexterity has developed in a rather exclusive way over the centuries. City of Culture filling cream-coloured phone boxes with 3,000 sugar cube – perfectly normal behaviour in Hull As a result, someone who still retains a strong East Riding dialect still sounds like an incomprehensible Viking to anyone from Hull. Instead, inhabitants of Kingston-upon-Hull have developed an accent all of their own ever since King Edward I granted the place a royal charter back in 1299. Have you seen it? (Image: Richard Addison) For centuries, the port was melting pot of Baltic banter and chatter from the Low Countries. Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play When author Daniel Defoe visited Hull nearly 300 years ago he was inspired to use the bustling port as a location for the eventual departure of his famous fictional adventurer Robinson Crusoe.

What famous group was from Hull

Artists from Hull, Yorkshire, England

Artist	Active
The Housemartins	1980s
The Mustangs	1960s
The Odds	1970s – 1980s
The Paddingtons	2000s

Why is Pickering famous?

From the historic attractions to the shops, museums, restaurants, pubs and cafes, there really is something for everyone in Pickering. A great base for exploring North Yorkshire, the Yorkshire Coast, Dalby Forest and the stunning North York Moors, it is also a fantastic destination in its own right, packed with fun things to do for the whole family.

Pickering is home to the world-famous North Yorkshire Moors Railway, where you can embark on a magical steam train ride through some of the UK’s most spectacular moorland scenery, including a stop at Harry Potter’s train station in Goathland, But that is not the only time-travelling you can experience in Pickering, as this is a town that revels in nostalgia.

Tea rooms and shops have a gloriously vintage flavour, including the north’s largest antique centre, and a bakery still serving its original Yorkshire recipes from 1865. You can step into the reconstructed Victorian pubs, shops and parlours of the Beck Isle Museum ; wander the battlements of Pickering Castle ; or marvel at one of Europe’s most important medieval treasures: the stunning wall art of St Peter and St Paul’s Church.

1. Time does not stand still in Pickering, though: this is a thriving market town with over 100 independent stores.
2. It is the place where the locals stock up on all the essentials, and their favourite treats too in shops like Feast Deli, the Organic Supermarket, Taylors, or Birdgate Chocolatiers, all showcasing local produce.

You can find more information about visiting or staying in Pickering on the Visit Pickering website,

Why is Pickering important?

Pickering is a welcoming, safe community, ideal for raising a family or starting and growing a business. The City provides an unprecedented quality of life, has the highest diversity rate in Durham, and continues to attract residents and businesses from all over the world.

Situated along the western edge of Durham Region, Pickering borders the City of Toronto, Markham, and Rouge National Park, as well as touches the lakefront of Lake Ontario. With an emerging new downtown and exciting opportunities for growth in the northern areas of the city, Pickering is saturated with natural beauty and small-town charm, alongside modern amenities and conveniences.

Pickering has direct access to major highways, an educated and skilled labour force, exceptional infrastructure for business, prime employment lands and a supportive municipal government. There are a number of development projects, big and small, happening in Pickering.

• Significant infrastructure development is taking place in the downtown core, along with major capital projects affecting roads, street lighting, traffic signals and parks throughout the City’s neighbourhoods.
• Development is well underway for the Seaton Community, as one of the largest combined residential, employment and commercial developments in Canadian history.

Seaton is designed to develop a complete community, offering a range of housing types, employment lands and land densities. Stay connected with development activity happening in your City. Choose Pickering as your community to work, live, learn, and play.

Quality of Life

Home to over 100,000 residents and 36,000 jobs the City is in the midst of a transformation from a suburban community to a sustainable city. A high quality of life, concern for the environment, and vibrant economy help explain why Pickering is the right community to start a business and raise a family. Pickering is your place to learn and play. The City takes great pride in its award-winning public library and high quality education, healthcare, housing and recreational opportunities, From children’s programs to youth and seniors’ centres, we are committed to providing our residents with the highest quality services and working toward a healthier, happier and safer community for all to enjoy. Pickering is a community made up of creative minds and a vibrant arts and cultural scene. The City celebrates its local talent through a number of festivals, performances and gallery exhibitions throughout the year, making it a destination spot for visitors as well as a great place to live. Residents and visitors can enjoy our largest entertainment hub, Durham Live, which currently houses a Casino Resort and future film studio, amphitheater, hotel and much more! Check out our Cultural Directory and Tourism section for more information. Pickering’s residents are passionate and proud of their community and work with the City to keep it clean and safe for businesses, families and future generations.

Demographic & Statistics

As the eastern gateway to the GTA, Pickering is strategically located where Toronto, York and Durham Regions meet. By 2040, our population is expected to grow from 100,000 to 155,000 residents. An integrated transportation network of high capacity roads, rail, public transit and air provide time and money saving access to major markets across North America and beyond. Pickering’s diverse businesses range from world-class industrial to professional services and retail. Business costs are among the lowest in the GTA and are globally very competitive. Draw from a labour force of nearly 4 million across the Greater Toronto area, many of whom are highly skilled professionals from many fields. For an intimate snapshot of each of our neighbourhoods and how we compare to others in Durham Region, check out Durham’s Health Neighbourhoods demographic tool.

Labour Force

Pickering businesses have access to a large GTA-wide labour pool, with over 4.1 million employees. The labour force is diverse, innovative, highly skilled and educated. More than 56% of Pickering residents over 15 years of age have completed a post-secondary degree or diploma. Pickering is also located within Canada’s largest market of over 6 million individuals. Pickering Durham Region In the Labour Force 51,835 352,750 Employed 47,690 324,375 Unemployed 4,145 28,380 Source: StatsCanada 2016

Fast Facts

Population 2021 – 100,000 2040 – 155,000 Location Immediately east of the City of Toronto, Pickering has integrated infrastructure for business, and excellent transportation connections. The City has direct access to two major highways: (Highway 401 and Highway 407), a direct commuter rail link to Toronto, 2 commercial train lines, and is within 30 minutes of 4 different airports, and 2 ½ hours of 5 separate United States border crossing points. Land Area Total Area – 23,159 hectares (55,974 acres) Business Sectors Advanced Manufacturing, Agri-Business, Innovative Technology (IT), and Energy, Environment and Engineering (EN3). Number of Businesses 2,800+ Major Employers Public Sector MPAC (Municipal Property Assessment Corporation) – 538 Ontario Power Generation – 3,895 City of Pickering – 750 Private Sector Aspect Retail Logistics – 670 Noranco Manufacturing Ltd. – 185 Rogers Communication – 750 Signature Aluminum Canada Inc. – 225 Trench Ltd. – 300 Yorkville Sound – 240 Kubota Canada Ltd. – 200 Pickering Casino Resort – 600 Transportation Highways – #401, #407 ETR, #7 and #2 (Kingston Road). An enclosed pedestrian bridge spanning Highway 401, linking the GO Station to Pickering’s downtown. Rail – CNR, CPR & GO Transit Air – Pearson International Airport, Oshawa Municipal Airport, Buttonville Airport. Energy Electricity – Ontario Power Generation and Elexicon Energy Gas – Enbridge Gas Distribution Labour Force 3.8 million people reside within 50 km (30 miles) of Pickering.46% of Pickering residents aged 24-64 years have post-secondary degree or diploma. Land Seaton Community in Central Pickering, 800 acres of employment lands fronting Highway 407 ETR, allowing for up to 30,000 new jobs. Education Public – 19 schools Separate – 8 schools Durham College Ontario Tech University Hospital Ajax-Pickering Lakeridge Health Hospital Jerry Coughlan Health and Wellness Centre Cultural & Recreation Recreation Complex – 1/4 million sf facility Pickering Museum Village – 19th Century Living History Museum Full-service Library – 3 locations Pickering Town Centre with over 200 stores Community & Neighbourhood – parks, sports fields, conservation areas, Millennium Waterfront Park, concerts, hiking trails, marinas, yacht club, sailing & 2 beaches

View the City of Pickering Community Profile Follow Economic Development and Strategic Project’s Office on social media!

What does Pickering mean in the UK?

English: habitational name from Pickering in North Yorkshire named with an Old English group name Piceringas meaning ‘ the people of a man named Pīcer ‘.

How big is Pickering?

Demographics –

Historical populations

Year	Pop.	±%
1813	180	—
1981	37,754	+20874.4%
1991	68,831	+82.3%
1996	78,989	+14.8%
2001	87,139	+10.3%
2006	87,838	+0.8%
2011	88,721	+1.0%
2016	91,771	+3.4%
2021	99,186	+8.1%

In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Pickering had a population of 99,186 living in 33,425 of its 34,327 total private dwellings, a change of 8.1% from its 2016 population of 91,771, With a land area of 231.1 km 2 (89.2 sq mi), it had a population density of 429.2/km 2 (1,111.6/sq mi) in 2021.

The city has estimated that by 2031, Pickering will be home to 131,608 residents. In 2021, 16.5% of the population was under 15 years of age, and 16.6% was 65 years and over. The median age in Pickering was 40.8 years. Immigrants made up 36.3% of the population in 2021. The top places of birth of the immigrant population were India (11.2%), Sri Lanka (8.2%), Pakistan (7.9%), Philippines (7.5%), Jamaica (7.2%), the United Kingdom (7.0%), Guyana (6.6%), Trinidad and Tobago (3.7%), China (2.7%), Bangladesh (2.5%), Afghanistan (2.4%), and the United States (1.7%).

The median total income of households in 2020 for Pickering was $118,000.

Why live in Pickering

#8 Transportation – Pickering offers many good transportation options for the convenience of its residents. There is public transportation, with buses, trains, and taxis offering an economical way for people to travel. Pickering is also home to many bike paths and trails, making it a good place for cyclists.

Did indigenous people always live in Pickering?

Untitled Document History of the Altona Forest Area About 20,000 years ago the last great Canadian ice sheet invaded Southern Ontario. As the ice sheet retreated, a drumlinized till plain from the Oak Ridges Moraine south to what is now the Lake Ontario shoreline was formed.

The smooth drumlin hills formed islands in ancient Lake Iroquois. Approximately 12,000 years ago, the waters of glacial Lake Iroquois cut a prominent fossil bluff just north of the Altona Forest, a remnant shoreline of this ancient glacial lake (1). The Oak Ridges Moraine is the source for a number of rivers which flow south to Lake Ontario.

One of these is Petticoat Creek which runs through a portion of the west side of Altona Forest. One of Petticoat Creek’s small tributaries is the Rosebank Tributary which courses along much of the east side of Altona Forest but is sometimes dry to intermittent for part of the year.

1. The meltwater from the receding glaciers sorted and stratified the soils around Toronto, including the Altona Forest area, into layers.
2. These soils are underlain by more dense till layers at an average depth of 0.6 metre.
3. Many residents in the area are familiar with these impermeable lower clay like layers which tend to retard deep percolation of water and make for difficult digging.

As a result, the water in Altona Forest saturates the upper soil horizons and accumulates in depressions. The topography varies from uniformly level to gently undulating, except where man made drainage channels have been dug through the overburden (2). Above, one of the earliest maps of the region is this Joliet 1673 Map. This map is courtesy of the City of Pickering Library. The Altona Forest is located just north of the indian village of Ganatsekwyagon, which appears in yellow on this map. Following the melting glaciers were roaming First Nations hunters.

1. Six thousand to seven thousand years ago, these hunters were roving around much of Ontario.
2. The tribes living in these parts were the Huron, Cree, Neutral, Petuns, Ojibwa and the Tribes of the Iroquois Confederacy; the Seneca.
3. The Iroquois dominated 1650, and had settlements at Kanatsekwyagon near the mouth of the Rouge River, and another on the Bay of Quinte.

Stone spear points and other artifacts have been found in many parts of Pickering including in Altona Forest. The earliest of these artifacts has been dated to 2000 B.C. About 100 B.C. some limited farming by Iroquoian Indians was carried out along many of the rivers in the region.

By 1100 A.D., First Nations people were hunting, gathering and farming in various parts of what is now Pickering. These tribes constantly moved as the soil was depleted and game became scarce. Evidence of villages have been found along Duffin’s Creek, around Frenchman’s Bay, on Concession 3 north-east of Pickering Village and on Kingston Road west of the Rouge Valley.

Although it is unlikely that any early inhabitants farmed Altona Forest, because of the poor soil, they did travel up Petticoat Creek and along Rosebank Tributary into Alton Forest in search of game. An archeology dig was performed in the spring of 2000 to find out more about the original habitants of the area. Evidence of pioneers and First Nations people were identified. Early map of the area. Notice Ensign Gainfort has lots 32 and 33 from the lake north to what is now Finch on the northern boundary of the Altona Forest. This 1877 map shows that Lot 32 is divided into three sections. Notice the locations of the houses. The railroad tracks in the south west of this map belong to the Grand Trunk. In 1791, Engineer Augustus Jones started surveying all of Pickering in preparation for settlers.

1. Altona Forest is located in Concession 1, Lot 32.
2. The small river running through the area already had a French name – Petite Côte, which quickly became Petticoat.
3. On May 25th 1796, Governor Simcoe ordered that Whitby, Pickering and ten other townships be declared open to settlers.
4. Enormous land grants were made to government officials and members of their families and friends (3).

Soon after a number of military grants were made. In the mid 1790s, the first settlers began arriving. Many of these were United Empire Loyalists. Map #1, which seems to be the first map of settlement, has only three land owners in the Pickering area; Major Smith in the region of Pickering Village, Doctor William Holmes in Lots 26 and 27 and Ensign Gainfort in Lots 32 (Altona Forest) and 33.

Patent

May 22

1798

Doctor William Holmes

All

Therefore, the official records show the original official government grant of “All” 200 acres of Concession 1, Lot 32, was granted to Dr. Wm Holmes not Ensign Gainfort! The official records show that the land stayed in Dr. Holmes’ possession until Dec.24, 1832 when he sold a portion to Henry Corran for £300.

He, in turn, in 1840, sold the southern ½ for £50 to John Corran, who was probably his son. In 1849, Henry Carron sold the northern ½ to William Taylor for £300. A small portion of the northern part of Lot 32 and some of the southern part near Petticoat Creek, are more suitable for farming than most of the middle section.

This may be one reason for the frequent sale of the property and its use for grazing animals rather than extensive farming. In 1868 the Corporation of Pickering acquired a strip of land for a road allowance. By 1877, Lot 32 was divided up between Leng Est.(100 acres in the south), J. McIntosh (50 acres) and Samuel Hollinger (50 acres). Refer to Map #2. In 1961, Canadian National Railways acquired property near the southern edge for a railroad right of way.

The CN track are there today. The Altona Forest is a critical component in the Rouge-Duffins Wildlife Corridor which joins the Rouge, Petticoat and Duffins watersheds. In turn, these watersheds provide linkages to a large network for wildlife movement to the Oak Ridges Moraine, Lake Simcoe and Lake Ontario.

The Altona Forest and the larger Rouge-Duffins Wildlife Corridor provide vital habitat, contribute to wildlife movement and enhance the health and biodiversity of plants and animals east of Toronto (1). The Altona Forest consists of mature forest with old growth characteristics and numerous early to mid successional growth areas, such as old fields and wet meadows.

1. A person who walks all the trails of Altona Forest will experience all of these diverse vegetation communities.
2. Altona Forest is a unique urban forest.
3. Less than half of one percent of the wooded habitat remaining in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) provides mature interior forest habitat that has a core area at least 300 metres from the forest edge.

Altona Forest is one of the few large areas remaining, adjacent to Lake Ontario, where migrating birds have the protection of forest cover for resting and feeding during migration (1). During the 1950s and 60s, land developers started purchasing property in Pickering in hopes of development.

• Bramalea Consolidated Development Ltd.
• Purchased much of Lot 32 from a holding company in 1972.
• The official price of $2, indicates that the holding company was probably a part of the Bramalea group of companies.
• In preparation for building houses, they attempted to drain the wet lands within the forest and did much damage to the natural habit in doing so.

See the Trail Guide for more on this. Thanks to a group, Friends of Altona Forest, who lobbied the government and made numerous presentations about the importance of this area, a portion of the projected housing area was set aside while most of the forest was designated for development.

• During the 1990s, the Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority acquired the Altona Forest 50-hectare preserve with the help of an $11 million provincial grant.
• Other properties where purchased by the MTRCA and were added to Altona Forest.
• In 1996, Dr.
• John Murray Speirs donated a large portion of his property to Altona Forest on condition that it would remain a natural preserve.

A portion of the southern part of Altona Forest is the J. Murray Speirs Ecological Reserve and is not open to the public. Today, Altona Forest is run by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority in conjunction with the Altona Forest Stewardship Committee.

The Altona Forest is the home to a great variety of plant and animal life including a large number of migratory and nesting birds. Altona Forest is the one of the last urban forests in southern Ontario, and home to white-tailed deer, red foxes, coyotes, wood duck, ruffed grouse, great-horned owl, pileated woodpecker and fascinating pond creatures such as fairy shrimp and wood frogs.

The trees offer a rich diversity: tall hemlocks, dense cedar, oaks, aspen, hornbeams, blue beech (sometimes called muscle trees), ironwood, white birch and even some old apple trees. The flowers of the upper woodland areas are particularly remarkable for a woods surrounded by urban development.

They include large patches of trilliums, pink and mauve hepaticas, wild ginger, wood violets, pink spring beauty, waxy white Mayapples, yellow trout lilies and showy pink and white ladyslipper orchids. A quiet leisurely walk in the forest affords a person the opportunity to see and hear the wonders of nature without traveling great distances.

(1) Altona Forest Environmental Management Plan, The Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, March 29, 1996, page 1 (2) ibid (3) Noonan, Larry & Munhall, George, St. Francis de Sales – 125 Years of Witness to History, LNP Inc.1996 : Untitled Document

What is the city of Pickering Mission

It is my privilege and pleasure to be CAO for the City of Pickering. Pickering has many exciting projects underway that will further transform our City into a more connected, vibrant, and sustainable city. Over the past 25 years, I have experienced it evolve into one of the most dynamic cities in all of Ontario.

1. As such, it is imperative that we continue with sustainable, responsible growth, and we support a collaborative and transparent relationship between staff, Council, and the community, to ensure we realize our true potential as a city.
2. I am honoured to work alongside a deeply committed senior management team that works to fulfil the direction of Council and ensures that our corporate priorities are met.

Together, with our community, we have shaped Pickering to be a connected, engaged, and innovative city, positioned to provide our residents, businesses, and future generations with a rich quality of life. The greatest values are realized when we work together.

Community leadership and participation is crucial for Pickering to successfully build upon its strong foundation. Together, we will ensure that Pickering continues to meet the evolving needs of our residents now and into the future. Please share any comments, questions or concerns through our Customer Care Feedback form.

One Team. One Vision. Infinite Possibilities. Marisa Carpino Chief Administrative Officer

When was Pickering city Hall built

Explore our selection of photographs featuring some familiar locations and buildings in ‘Downtown Pickering’. These images were provided by the Main Branch Pickering Public Library, from their collection housed in the Local History Room on the second floor of the Pickering Central Library. Photos are also available online at https://history.pickering.ca, The first image reminds us that Downtown Pickering was not always centred on the four corners of Liverpool Road and Kingston Road. In the late 1700’s, Pickering included a collection of hamlets that formed a part of Pickering Township. The Township was made up of lands including properties we now know to be in Scarborough, Pickering, Ajax & Whitby. Pickering’s City Hall has had numerous homes, including the Pickering Township Hall (1854) in Brougham, a civic building on the north/east corner of Brock Road and Kingston Road (demolished and now replaced by the Durham Region Police Station), and finally at the Civic Complex, One The Esplanade (opened in 1992).

Pickering Township Hall Now often referred to as Brougham Hall. Located at 3545 Brock Road in the Hamlet of Brougham, one block south of Highway #7 on the east side. The hall was built in 1854 and was the first official township building to hold council meetings. Prior to this, meetings were held in homes or local taverns, such as Thompson’s Tavern. Liverpool Arms Inn (now Liverpool John’s) at the north/west corner of Liverpool Road and Kingston Road (Hwy.2). Photo taken in 1920; built in 1878 by Robert Secker, this Inn was a 14 mile journey from Toronto and a popular stop on the King’s Highway for those travelling between Toronto and Kingston. Liverpool Arms Inn Liverpool Arms Inn – pre 1964 widening of Kingston Road. During the 20th Century, the four corners where the Inn sat was called Liverpool Corners. An ad in 1929 offers rooms starting at $1.00, first class dining, short order lunches and great fishing only 1 mile from the hotel. Black’s Service Station Black’s Service Station (Morley Black) at the south/west corner of Liverpool Road and Kingston Road, directly opposite the Liverpool Arms Inn. It is estimated the photo was taken in the late 1920’s. This image looks south down Liverpool Road to the lake. Circa 1972: The LCBO & Brewers Retail at 1809 Liverpool Road, just south of Kingston Road. This location is now home to the Pickle Barrel Restaurant. Texaco Station Circa 1972s: Looking north/east at the corner of Liverpool Road and Pickering Parkway. Today this is an Esso Station. Drive In Entrance, Liverpool Circa 1972: Looking north on Liverpool Road, see the entrance to the TeePee Drive-in Theatre (now the entrance to the Loblaws Supercentre). Liverpool & Highway 401 Intersection Circa 1976: An aerial view of the Hwy.401 intersection at Liverpool Road. Note the first office tower at 1305 Pickering Parkway is under construction, the GO Station has yet to see expansion; North American Van Lines operating just to the south of the new office tower and the TeePee Drive-In still showing movies. GO Station Circa 1976: Looking north/east from the corner of Liverpool Road and Baseline Road (now Bayly St.). The large green building to the east was home to Colonial Homes construction company producing prefab homes. GO Station Circa 1976: Aerial view taken from the roof of the Radom Street apartment building. GO Station Circa 1976: Looking north – note the back side of the projection screen at the 2nd of Pickering’s drive-in theatres, the Odeon Drive-In. GO Station Circa1976: Parking lot looking east. Baseline Road at Liverpool Circa 1976: Looking north/west from the Baseline Road (Bayly St.) from just east of Liverpool Road. Baseline Road Early 1970’s: Looking east, a GO bus stops at north tunnel access on north side of GO tracks. This access road was created after removal of prior eastbound on ramp to Highway 401 and before the second set of rail tracks was installed. GO Station Circa 1976: Looking south/east from the Liverpool Road bridge towards the Pickering GO Station. GO Station Circa 1976: The entrance to underground tunnel accessing GO Rail platforms. Sheridan Mall Late 70’s: Sheridan Mall (now Pickering Town Centre) under construction; this photo looking north east from Pickering Parkway towards the former K-Mart. Sheridan Mall Late 70’s: Sheridan Mall under construction, same view as above. Sheridan Mall Aerial view of the early Pickering Town Centre (formerly Sheridan Mall) looking slightly south/east. Note early stages of the Hub Plaza on the north side of Kingston Road; Odeon Drive-in Theatre directly to the east and the service station at the south/west corner of Liverpool and Kingston Roads. Baseline Road Late 70’s: Looking north from the Baseline Road (Bayly St.) across Highway 401 towards the Sheridan Mall. Sheridan Mall Late 70’s: Looking south/west from Kingston Road at Glenanna Road towards Sheridan Mall. Sheridan Mall Late 70’s: Looking north/east from Radom Street apartments. Note brown low-rise condominiums under construction at the north/east corner of Glenanna and Kingston Roads.