Advocates are calling on Pickering city council to refuse a proposal for the development of 1,600 hectares of rural land in the city’s northeast area until further consultation with First Nations and comprehensive studies on the project’s environmental impact and financial implications. The intended transformation of the region, situated outside the Greenbelt, into a residential community for 72,000 individuals has raised concerns, especially since the land currently supports corn and soybean cultivation, as noted by the local farmers’ union president.
President of the National Farmers’ Union Ontario Local 345, Adrian Stocking, emphasized that the land in question is already developed farmland, contrary to claims that it is an untapped resource. The city council is scheduled to make a decision on the residential development plan, referred to as a secondary plan, at a special meeting on March 30.
The proposed plan, accessible on the city’s website, delineates the layout for neighborhoods, housing density, and road infrastructure within the potential development area spanning from Eighth Concession Road to the north, Highway 7 to the south, Westney Road to the west, and Lake Ridge Road to the east.
Critics advocating against urban sprawl argue that the city should finalize pending environmental and financial studies before granting approval for the plan. However, Deputy Mayor David Pickles asserts that having a conceptual plan is essential to conduct these assessments effectively.
Abdullah Mir, co-chair of the advocacy group Stop Sprawl Durham, found it unreasonable to conduct studies post-approval. He stressed the importance of understanding the total costs involved in constructing the community, including essential infrastructure like sewage systems and transportation access, before greenlighting the project.
Concerns regarding the protection of valuable agricultural land have also been raised, as the area under consideration boasts Class 1 soil, recognized as Ontario’s top-quality soil with no significant restrictions on crop cultivation. Stocking highlighted the critical role of preserving such land for future farming generations facing challenges related to affordability and land accessibility.
While the secondary plan may be subject to adjustments based on study outcomes, the city remains engaged with farming representatives and the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, which has expressed opposition to the northeast Pickering development. Chief Kelly LaRocca emphasized the need for meaningful Indigenous engagement in the environmental assessment process and clarity on the assessment’s transparency and timing.
The Northeast Pickering Landowners Group, comprising private landowners and developers collaborating on the project, was directed by the Durham Regional council to conduct an environmental assessment incorporating Indigenous engagement. The group represents around 54% of the land within the secondary plan boundary.
Mayor Kevin Ashe and Chief Kelly LaRocca were unavailable for interviews.