The City of Pickering is very proud of the Petticoat Creek crossing, which represents another stitch in creating a seamless trail across the waterfront.

Regional Councillor Maurice Brenner
"At this time I would like to thank the members of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, the Waterfront Regeneration Trust and the Waterfront Coordinating Committee for their commitment to this project and welcome the Honourable Janet Ecker MPP.
Later on in the ceremony, we will accompany our very special guests, the Pickering Air Cadets Marching Band across this impressive structure and refreshments will be served.

The Petticoat Creek Pedestrian Bridge provides us with a brilliant view of this environmentally sensitive area, which, as you can see, is a treasure right here in our wonderful City. The Bridge connects the Petticoat Creek Conservation Area and Park Crescent in the West Shore neighbourhood of Pickering. The valley floor and shoreline consists of significant wetland, hardwood forest, wonderful spaces and a lush beachfront. It was a major challenge to erect such a breathtaking, accessible and enjoyable structure that will provide maximum enjoyment for its users, while maintaining the environmental integrity of the area.

Our Community is very fortunate to have such a pleasurable walkway for all ages to enjoy an educational, exciting journey through a part of our City, which reminds us of the true beauty of nature only minutes from our homes.

At this time I would like to welcome the Mayor of the City of Pickering, Wayne Arthurs

Mayor Arthurs
"Good morning, thank you for coming to help us celebrate the opening of the Petticoat Creek Pedestrian Bridge. Pickering is truly the City that community built. Through the efforts of our residents and community partners the Waterfront Coordinating Committee, the Waterfront Task Force and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority we are gathered here to open the latest link to the City's Waterfront Trail. The Waterfront Task Force and the Waterfront Coordinating Committee are to be commended for their commitment to the enhancement of Pickering's waterfront.

The bridge structure that we are opening today has a total span length of 170 metres and is at a height of 8 to 10 metres above the valley floor. It is constructed of self weathering steel beams with timber decking and handrails. The piers that hold up the structure are reinforced concrete.

Our team of designers: Victor Ford & Associates, JSW & Associates, and J.T. Gregg & Associates, along with the contractor King City Group Limited did a magnificent job turning this vision into a reality.

I am particularly encouraged by the progress being made to our waterfront development, and this bridge is an important link in the system. Our eastern section of Waterfront Trail was recently completed from Duffins Creek at the Pickering/Ajax border to Millennium Square at the foot of Liverpool Road, with the installation of the Millennium Boardwalk last year. The western section of the Waterfront Trail is nearing completion from the Pickering/Toronto border to Park Crescent thanks in part to this new crossing of Petticoat Creek.

The Western gateway design at the Rouge River will commence this year, with construction in the near future. Later this year you will notice improvements within Bruce Hanscombe Park including the construction of another section of the Western Waterfront Trail.

Other waterfront projects that are in the design concept stage include the Master plan for Rotary Frenchman's Bay West Park on the west side of the bay, and Progress Bayfront Park on the east side of the bay. The City's future focus will also include the completion of design and construction of the Waterfront Trail around the shores of Frenchman's Bay.

It is through valuable community input and the hard work of dedicated staff and consultants, that the City of Pickering is home to a magnificent Waterfront Trail system for people of all ages to enjoy for many years.

Please welcome City Councillor Dave Ryan who will be speaking on behalf of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority

• Councillor Dave Ryan
• Honourable Janet Ecker
• Pauline Browes from the Waterfront Generation Trust

Councillor Brenner
"At this time I invite our distinguished guests, Mayor Arthurs, Members of Council to join me in cutting this ribbon and officially opening the Petticoat Creek Pedestrian Bridge.

Please provide passage to the Air Cadets Marching Band and join us as we proceed on the First March across our new bridge, a landmark for years to come."