Bay Ridges is a community in Pickering whose local identity is influenced by its relationship to Lake Ontario or another significant waterfront setting. Its identity is influenced by proximity to the water, shoreline parks, trails or nearby lake-oriented destinations. The amount of direct waterfront access varies by address, but the broader community benefits from a recreational and lifestyle character that distinguishes it from more inland areas. Pickering combines established southern neighbourhoods, newer growth areas, employment lands and extensive green space, with Lake Ontario and Rouge-area landscapes shaping the city's character.