Pickering Casino Resort
A Beacon of Growth and Design in Durham Region
Pickering Casino Resort is a landmark development in Pickering, Ontario, and the centerpiece of the broader Durham Live entertainment district. Developed to transform the area into a premier destination east of Toronto, the resort is designed to attract a wide range of visitors while driving long-term economic growth in the region.
Approved in 2017, the project is expected to create approximately 10,000 jobs and contribute significantly to the local economy through tax revenues and overall GDP uplift. Encompassing over 330,000 square feet, the resort features a casino with more than 2,300 slot machines and 100 table games, a 275-room luxury hotel, a 2,500-seat entertainment venue, and a diverse mix of dining and retail options.
The development forms part of a larger 240-acre site known as Durham Live, which will also include an indoor waterpark, an amphitheater, cinemas, a film studio, and luxury hotels. Sustainability is a guiding principle of the overall project, with a preserved wetland at the center of the site providing a vital natural space and ecological balance.
The architectural design of Pickering Casino Resort is defined by bold geometry and a dynamic façade, making it a distinctive landmark in the region. H.H. Angus & Associates Ltd. developed a bold and expressive architectural lighting design that amplifies the building’s form. Vertical delineations integrated into the façade create a refined, modern rhythm that enhances its visual presence. This approach contributes to a distinctive architectural identity and a compelling dual personality that is stylish by day and elegant by night.
GVA Lighting supplied 107m / 350ft in total linear length of HIGHLIGHTER MONO in DL configuration for this project. It was selected for its modularity, performance, and exceptional quality of light. The Flat Double-Diffuser helped to produce a flattering, warm 3000K illumination that harmonizes with the building’s surface textures. Controls and power are managed via our Power-Data Box (PDB), which allows for intuitive dimming and scene creation, and supporting dynamic nighttime expression.
The interplay of custom façade elements with thoughtfully specified lighting reflects a seamless fusion of architecture, lighting design, and engineering precision. Together, these elements give Pickering Casino Resort its bold nighttime identity and reinforce its role as a key visual and cultural anchor in the city’s skyline.
In total, GVA shipped:
- 107 linear meters (350 linear feet) of HIGHLIGHTER MONO 3000K in DL configuration with Flat Diffusers
Client: Great Canadian Gaming Corporation
Architect: Chris Dikeakos Architects, CGL Architects
Lighting Designer: Mina Ishak, Angus Lighting
GVA Partner: Rutenberg Sales
