A Pickering City Centre watermain rupture forced the shutdown of the popular shopping mall over the holiday weekend after significant structural damage was discovered beneath the main atrium.
Emergency crews responded Saturday morning to the Shops at Pickering City Centre following reports of a watermain break under the mall’s main floor. As a precaution, shoppers and retailers were evacuated while officials assessed the extent of the damage.
City officials confirmed that the rupture caused substantial structural concerns, requiring excavation of the mall floor to complete repairs. Due to the loss of running water, a fire watch was implemented to ensure public safety.
As a result of the Pickering City Centre watermain rupture, the main retail section of the mall will remain closed throughout the holiday weekend and is expected to reopen on Tuesday.
However, retailers with exterior entrances and stand-alone buildings — including Cineplex, Jack Astor’s, Dave’s Hot Chicken, State & Main, Moxies, Farm Boy and East Side Mario’s — have remained open for customers.
Officials have asked the public for patience as crews work to complete necessary repairs and restore normal operations.
