Despite vocal opposition from residents, activists and indigenous councils, Pickering Council on May 20 is said to have approved the motion to proceed with the development of Northeast Pickering Lands.
A delegate at the special council meeting said the plan was approved by a vote with two against. The no votes were Councillor Maurice Brenner and Councillor Lisa Robinson.
The plan was approved in the middle of negotiations with the Mississauga of Scugog Island First Nation (MSIFN), whose Chief Claire La Rocca and council said: “Discussions are continuing with the City of Pickering, but no agreement has been finalized at this time.”
Environmental advocates said Pickering plan is reliant on a private interest group – Northeast Pickering Landowners Group, a consortium of private developers, that either directly prepares or fully funds the Master Environmental Servicing Plans and Neighbourhood Plans.
They also pointed out that paving over of Carruthers Creek Watershed poses a risk of flooding for the Town of Ajax.
Both MSIFN and activists have asked for further talks and plan drawdowns.
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