Our Story
We're Not Against Growth.
We're Against Stupid Growth.
There's a difference between building a city and stacking condos.
Why We Started
Pickering First started the way most grassroots movements do — with a group of neighbours sitting around a kitchen table, comparing notes, and realizing something didn't add up.
Development applications were being approved at a breakneck pace. Council meetings moved virtual — making it nearly impossible for residents to gauge how many others shared their concerns, or to organize together in the room. Roads were already congested, schools already at capacity, and yet the approvals kept coming.
We realized that if nobody showed up to push back, the city would keep making decisions that benefit developers and consultants — not the families who actually live here and pay the taxes.
So we got organized. That's it. That's the whole origin story.
Transparency
If a decision is good for residents, it should be easy to explain. If it's hard to explain, maybe it's not good for residents.
Accountability
Elected officials work for us. We expect them to answer to the people who elected them — not the developers who funded their campaigns.
Community First
Every decision should pass one test: Does this make life better for the people who already live here?
Common Sense
Don't build 1,700 units on a street that's already gridlocked. Don't move meetings online to silence organized opposition. Don't call it "public consultation" if you've already decided.
Common Questions
Before You Ask…
Are you affiliated with any political party?
No. We're strictly non-partisan. We work with anyone — and push back against anyone — regardless of party lines. If it's good for Pickering, we support it. If it's not, we don't.
Are you against development?
Not at all. We're against dumb development. Approving 1,700 condo units on infrastructure that can't handle it isn't progress — it's negligence. We want growth that's planned, funded, and actually works.
Who funds Pickering First?
Residents. That's it. No corporate sponsors, no developer money, no secret donors. We're funded by the people who care enough to chip in.
How can I help?
Show up to council meetings. Share information with your neighbours. Sign up for our updates. The simplest thing you can do is pay attention — and that alone makes a difference.
Enough Talking. Time to Act.
Pickering is changing fast. The question is whether it changes for the people who live here — or in spite of them.
Get Involved