A prominent environmental activist and Pickering resident has asked for the transfer of all remaining 9,300 acres of Pickering Federal Lands to Parks Canada for the permanent expansion of Rouge National Urban Park.
The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation (MSIFN), the Town of Ajax and others have also expressed concern over the proposed development of lands in north Pickering (see below).
“I am writing to you today [May 3] as a concerned resident to formally advocate for a ‘4th Option’ regarding the future of the Pickering Federal Lands,” said Mike Borie, in a letter to Prime Minister Carney, MPs, Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe, and Pickering City Councillors.
He pointed out that the current consultation scenarios focus heavily on varying degrees of industrial and residential development. “While I understand the pressures of economic growth, these lands represent a finite, irreplaceable resource. Durham Region, including Pickering, already has a vast supply of land designated for development that does not require paving over irreplaceable federal farmland,” wrote Borie.
Developing these Class 1 agricultural soils and sensitive headwaters in favor of short-term developer interests is a generational mistake that undermines our regional climate resilience and food security, he pointed out.
Option 4
He said Option 4 – total preservation of the lands is needed for the following reasons:
Ecological Integrity: Piece-meal development threatens the wildlife corridors and water systems that Rouge National Urban Park was designed to protect. Only a full transfer ensures the park remains a functional ecosystem.
Agricultural Security: These lands contain some of Canada’s richest soil. In an era of climate instability, we must prioritize local food hubs over warehouse rooftops and asphalt.
A Vision for Conservation: Borie said MP Juanita Nathan from Pickering-Brooklin, had previously noted that proper consultation is a priority for these lands. We believe that consultation is only complete if a full-conservation model is presented as a viable path.
“I urge both our federal and municipal leadership to pivot from a development-led vision and join community groups like Land Over Landings in calling for the protection of every acre of this site,” said the activist.
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why should we care what some pampered boomer on a gov service pension living in a nice detached home have to say? he don’t care if jobs, homes, industry, and economy are built.