Pickering, Ontario, is undergoing a significant transformation, with Pickering City Centre emerging as a key focal point in the city’s growth. The property was acquired several years ago through a partnership between Salthill Capital, CentreCourt, and Cowie Capital. Previously known as Pickering Town Centre, the shopping complex has been rebranded as The Shops at Pickering City Centre and integrated into a larger master-planned community. This ambitious redevelopment reflects shifting demographics, growing local pride, and a strategic effort to redefine suburban retail.
From “Flyover Town” to Lifestyle Destination
For decades, Pickering struggled to shake off its image as a “flyover town” overshadowed by retail giants in neighbouring Scarborough, Oshawa, and Markham. According to Petr Kafka, Principal of Leasing at Salthill Capital, this perception is rapidly changing. “When we talk to retailers, they used to see Pickering as a secondary market,” says Kafka. “But with growing housing costs in Toronto and increased traffic congestion, people are gravitating toward satellite communities like Pickering.”
The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this shift. Kafka explains, “People began treating their homes not just as places to sleep but as places to live and work. This increased dwell time in suburban areas, which retailers are noticing.”
The demographics within a 10-kilometre radius of the shopping centre are compelling. With over 318,000 people and an average household income exceeding $152,000, the area is predominantly made up of young families. This population is set to grow significantly, as 36,000 residential units are in various stages of approval or construction nearby. These developments promise to bring over 60,000 new residents to the area within the next decade.
A Vision for Community and Connectivity
At the heart of this transformation is Pickering City Centre, a residential, retail and community hub integrated into a 56-acre master plan. The project includes over 6,000 new residential units spread across 10+ mixed-use towers. “We’re creating a true lifestyle centre,” says Kafka. “With residential, office, and retail spaces connected by transit, it’s all about convenience and community.”
Accessibility is a cornerstone of the development. The property features an enclosed pedestrian bridge connecting to the Pickering GO Station, which drives over 3.5 million visitors annually. Additionally, the centre offers abundant free ground-level parking—a feature that Kafka notes is crucial for retailers. “Retailers prefer traditional parking over underground or above-ground options,” he says. “It’s about maintaining convenience while embracing density.”
Rebranding and Upgrading
In May 2024, Salthill Capital officially rebranded Pickering Town Centre as The Shops at Pickering City Centre. This change reflects the area’s transformation from a suburban mall into a central commercial and residential node. The rebranding included new exterior and interior signage, a website redesign, and upgrades such as digital directories and advertising screens.
Kafka emphasizes that the rebranding aligns with the evolving identity of Pickering. “Pickering is no longer just a bedroom community,” he explains. “It’s becoming a vibrant city, and our shopping centre is at the heart of that evolution.”
Retailer Momentum Builds
The tenant mix at The Shops at Pickering City Centre has always had “good bones,” as Kafka describes. Anchor tenants include Farm Boy, Cineplex, Hudson’s Bay, H&M, Winners/HomeSense, and Saks OFF 5th. Over the past year, Salthill Capital has worked diligently to attract new retailers and enhance the centre’s appeal.
Lululemon recently opened a store in the shopping centre, a move Kafka describes as a “test” for the brand. “From what their store manager tells us, they’ve already exceeded expectations,” he says. Newcomers also include Booster Juice, Popeyes, Imperfect Fresh Eats, and Dave’s Hot Chicken. Sephora is set to open in June 2025, while other retailers like Mastermind Toys are reconfiguring and renewing leases. Kafka hints at ongoing discussions with major brands, as well as international names yet to be disclosed.
Unique Experiences and Community Engagement
The Shops at Pickering City Centre is more than a retail hub; it’s a community gathering place. Salthill Capital’s Community Hub program is central to this vision. The program invites community groups into the shopping centre to host activities, workshops, and group classes for local customers. “This program strengthens our ties with the community while driving foot traffic,” Kafka notes.
Additionally, unique attractions like the Pickleplex indoor pickleball courts and Womens Fitness Club aim to create memorable experiences for visitors. “We’ll be hosting an activation where people can try pickleball in the common area,” Kafka adds. “It’s a perfect traffic generator during slower retail months like January and February.”
Adapting to New Trends
The transformation of The Shops at Pickering City Centre reflects broader retail trends. As suburban areas grow, retailers are tailoring their offerings to meet the needs of young families and professionals. “Think about what a resident in one of those towers would need on a weekly basis,” Kafka explains. “We’re focusing on lifestyle amenities like daycares, quick-service restaurants, and even niche offerings like gymnastics or swimming lessons for kids.”
Another growing trend is health and wellness. Kafka reveals that the centre is in talks with concepts like stretch labs and recovery-focused fitness studios. “Recovery is the next CrossFit,” he says. “People are prioritizing wellness, and we want to reflect that in our tenant mix.”
Durham Live and Regional Growth
Pickering is benefiting from significant regional growth, including the nearby Durham Live development. The multi-phase entertainment complex features attractions such as the Porsche Experience Centre, the first of its kind in Canada and only the third in North America. “Durham Live is a game-changer for the region,” says Kafka. “It brings additional attention and traffic to Pickering, and we see ourselves as a complementary destination.”
The revitalization of The Shops at Pickering City Centre also serves as a case study in suburban revitalization. “I saw the transformation of Vaughan and Mississauga,” Kafka reflects. “Pickering is next. With its proximity to Toronto and its growing population, it’s becoming a true city centre.”
Looking Ahead
With the first residential towers set to commence construction in 2025 and over 6,000 new units planned, The Shops at Pickering City Centre is positioned for long-term success. Retailers like Lululemon and Sephora are already proving the market’s potential, and the addition of community-focused amenities promises to enhance the overall experience.
“The rebranding and redevelopment have injected new life into this property,” Kafka says. “It’s an exciting time for Pickering, and we’re proud to be at the centre of it all.”
