The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation (MSIFN) have announced that the Pickering decision on the controversial Northeast Pickering plan, has been deferred for a month.
“After MSIFN has continuously stated our concerns with the lack of meaningful consultation over plans for a massive development in NE Pickering, council has deferred their decision for one month to allow Mayor Kevin Ashe time to set up a meeting with the Chief and MSIFN Council members.”
In 2024, the city and the MSIFN had signed a Relationship Agreement to establish a structured, transparent, and respectful approach to consultation on the Northeast Pickering Secondary Plan.
However, MSIFN said it has largely been ignored.
“In our view, there has been a complete lack of meaningful dialogue and our requests to meet to discuss our significant concerns have largely been ignored. A consultation protocol between the City of Pickering and MSIFN is needed,” the statement said.
What is the Northeast Pickering Plan?
Pickering Council has been looking to address the lack of affordable housing concerns by exploring the development potential of 1,600 hectares area of land for long-term housing and employment opportunities.
According to the city, the plan is a long-range municipal planning initiative aimed at transforming roughly 1,720 hectares of primarily agricultural land into a new, high-density residential and employment area. It aims to accommodate significant growth, potentially bringing 70,000 new residents and infrastructure to the city.
The approximate boundaries are Eighth Concession Road to the north, Highway 7 to the south, Westney Road to the west, and Lake Ridge Road to the east (Pickering / Whitby border).
The city says the Northeast Pickering lands are located outside of the Provincial Greenbelt.