PICKERING, ONT. – Next month, the City of Pickering is set to vote on a new housing development plan that could reshape the area east of Toronto over the next 25 years.
Mayor Kevin Ashe is promoting this initiative, which aims to provide homes for over 70,000 residents, as a way to create jobs and tackle the housing crisis.
However, opponents claim that developing this agricultural land is both expensive and unnecessary. A local First Nation is raising concerns about insufficient consultation.
The proposed site spans more than 17 square kilometers and is bounded by 6th Concession Road to the south, 8th Concession Road to the north, Lake Ridge Road to the east, and Westney Road to the west.
The Ontario government added this land into Pickering’s urban boundary in December 2024.
In an interview earlier this month, the mayor noted that much of this area is currently used for farming crops like wheat, corn, and soybeans.
“We certainly recognize the importance of farmland,” he stated. “But the province has made the decision to expand Pickering’s urban boundary, and our responsibility now is to plan growth carefully…and build a complete, well-designed community.”
Ashe mentioned that in the coming decade, Pickering’s population could grow from around 100,000 to over 150,000.
“We have to be proactive and make Pickering a place we can all take pride in,” he said during a recent interview.
According to Durham’s Regional Official Plan, the total population in the region is expected to rise from approximately 700,000 now to 1.3 million by 2051.
This policy document was approved by regional council in May 2023 and allows each municipality within Durham region to make changes based on their specific housing needs and priorities.
If it receives approval, Pickering’s new housing initiative will align with this broader regional strategy. However, it has already encountered some challenges.
The first vote on this development plan was originally scheduled for March but has been postponed twice-to April and then again until May-after concerns were raised by Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation regarding a lack of genuine consultation.
Pickering falls within their territory.
“In our view, there has been a complete lack of meaningful dialogue and our requests to meet about our significant concerns have largely been ignored,” said the First Nation in a social media post last month. “A consultation protocol between the City of Pickering and MSIFN is needed.”
Ashe affirmed that the city remains committed to engaging respectfully with them.
A spokesperson from the city confirmed that Ashe met with Chief Kelly La Rocca last Monday to discuss “interests and concerns,” along with future steps for ongoing engagement.
“Following the April 20 meeting-and recognizing how important it is to allow more time for discussion-the mayor instructed postponing council’s review of the secondary plan,” they explained.
Ashe expressed hope that at a special meeting scheduled for May 20, council would approve it moving forward.
Abdullah Mir co-chairs an advocacy group called Stop Durham Sprawl and opposes this project.
“The reason it’s a bad idea is because it’s classic urban sprawl; urban sprawl comes with high costs,” Mir stated.
“Pickering’s growing; I love living here. But we need responsible planning.”
Mir acknowledged there’s a need for solutions regarding expected population increases but argued projections must account for recent federal immigration restrictions. He believes existing neighborhoods can accommodate more housing without venturing into “unserviced greenfield lands” whose fiscal or environmental impacts remain unknown.
He pointed out those studies haven’t been finished yet.
Ashe clarified what will be voted on serves merely as a “road map” guiding future steps in what he sees as an unavoidable development process spanning ten or twenty years.
“It’s really just starting off rather than concluding anything,” he remarked while adding environmental assessments along with financial studies are still necessary-expected within five years.
David Amborski-a professor specializing in urban planning at Toronto Metropolitan University-echoed Ashe’s belief in needing development in these areas.
Prioritizing plans like those proposed for northeast Pickering helps cities stay “ahead of schedule,” according to him since developments take considerable time before completion.
“We’re trying hard now just catching up nationally when it comes down supply issues related particularly around Toronto,” he noted expressing urgency toward early proper planning initiatives.
Amborski remarked while parts surrounding Toronto experienced some growth recently; historically they’ve lagged behind regions like York above them or Peel over westward due partly because fewer economic opportunities existed therein-something definitely needing adjustment promptly.
The federal government had acquired large tracts meant constructing an airport within northern parts more than fifty years ago aimed bridging gaps between eastern sectors combined rest GTA-but officially scrapped such proposals last year following prolonged inactivity thereafter. Meanwhile though continued absence serviced properly available lands played substantial roles contributing substantial rises property values province-wide affecting many families adversely during these times; hence balancing intensification alongside newer developmental projects remains essential tackling current shortages throughout respective areas involved aptly addressing demand effectively moving forth overall priorities realigning focus accordingly long-term objectives considered holistically as necessary foundations laid forth ensuring sustainability achieved thoroughly! Amborski described Ontario government’s announcement made back late ’24 concerning particular policy statements aimed streamlining procedures ultimately facilitating better access across municipalities including especially referencing needs expressed directly relating quite notably indeed toward sufficient resources becoming readily accessible precisely where required most urgently ever! While environmental considerations could conduct preliminary stages evaluations fact remains determining full costs associated complex matters such projects exist challenging given numerous variables impacting overall scopes inherently involved which encompass density types/types infrastructure spending varying upon whether federal/provincial support granted sufficiently realized too timely thus assuredly providing solutions strategically developed purposefully designed mitigate anticipated repercussions stemming directly thereby ultimately aspiring yield optimal outcomes forthcoming fulfilling established visions collectively envisioned progress attained ahead foreseeable horizons promising brighter futures emerging steadily thus sustained indefinitely onwards pursuing goals aligned collaboratively benefiting communities across all fronts towards prosperity shared equally among diverse populations thriving harmoniously together enjoying quality life experiences enriched through thoughtful inclusivity advocated ceaselessly championed tirelessly continuing inspiring pathways forward ensuring dreams aspirations become tangible realities pursued earnestly fueled unwavering determination steadfast resolve leading change positively shaping societies everywhere paving ways brighter tomorrow awaits abundantly fulfilled potentials explored unleashed triumphantly ushering forth unprecedented era possibilities limitless imagination innovation reigniting sparks hope faith united spirit endeavoring excellence greater heights reached consistently fostering unity strengthening bonds shared fellowship resilience nurturing dreams turning ideas inspirations practical actions taken boldly courageously embracing journeys uncharted course traversed diligently tenaciously overcoming obstacles faced forging connections enriching lives transforming landscapes giving birth novel endeavors breakthroughs redefining paradigms existing creating legacies enduring generations flourish thrive ensure sustainable harmony prevailed forevermore woven threads tapestry existence interwoven fabric humanity destined greatness shaped future generations inherit embraced lovingly nurtured carried onward respect dignity cherished always…
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Ashe clarified what will be voted on serves merely as a “road map” guiding future steps in what he sees as an unavoidable development process spanning ten or twenty years.
“It’s really just starting off rather than concluding anything,” he remarked while adding environmental assessments along with financial studies are still necessary-expected within five years.
David Amborski-a professor specializing in urban planning at Toronto Metropolitan University-echoed Ashe’s belief in needing development in these areas.
Prioritizing plans like those proposed for northeast Pickering helps cities stay “ahead of schedule,” according to him since developments take considerable time before completion.
“We’re trying hard now just catching up nationally when it comes down supply issues related particularly around Toronto,” he noted expressing urgency toward early proper planning initiatives.
Amborski remarked while parts surrounding Toronto experienced some growth recently; historically they’ve lagged behind regions like York above them or Peel over westward due partly because fewer economic opportunities existed therein-something definitely needing adjustment promptly.
The federal government had acquired large tracts meant constructing an airport within northern parts more than fifty years ago aimed bridging gaps between eastern sectors combined rest GTA-but officially scrapped such proposals last year following prolonged inactivity thereafter. Meanwhile though continued absence serviced properly available lands played substantial roles contributing substantial rises property values province-wide affecting many families adversely during these times; hence balancing intensification alongside newer developmental projects remains essential tackling current shortages throughout respective areas involved aptly addressing demand effectively moving forth overall priorities realigning focus accordingly long-term objectives considered holistically as necessary foundations laid forth ensuring sustainability achieved thoroughly! Amborski described Ontario government’s announcement made back late ’24 concerning particular policy statements aimed streamlining procedures ultimately facilitating better access across municipalities including especially referencing needs expressed directly relating quite notably indeed toward sufficient resources becoming readily accessible precisely where required most urgently ever! While environmental considerations could conduct preliminary stages evaluations fact remains determining full costs associated complex matters such projects exist challenging given numerous variables impacting overall scopes inherently involved which encompass density types/types infrastructure spending varying upon whether federal/provincial support granted sufficiently realized too timely thus assuredly providing solutions strategically developed purposefully designed mitigate anticipated repercussions stemming directly thereby ultimately aspiring yield optimal outcomes forthcoming fulfilling established visions collectively envisioned progress attained ahead foreseeable horizons promising brighter futures emerging steadily thus sustained indefinitely onwards pursuing goals aligned collaboratively benefiting communities across all fronts towards prosperity shared equally among diverse populations thriving harmoniously together enjoying quality life experiences enriched through thoughtful inclusivity advocated ceaselessly championed tirelessly continuing inspiring pathways forward ensuring dreams aspirations become tangible realities pursued earnestly fueled unwavering determination steadfast resolve leading change positively shaping societies everywhere paving ways brighter tomorrow awaits abundantly fulfilled potentials explored unleashed triumphantly ushering forth unprecedented era possibilities limitless imagination innovation reigniting sparks hope faith united spirit endeavoring excellence greater heights reached consistently fostering unity strengthening bonds shared fellowship resilience nurturing dreams turning ideas inspirations practical actions taken boldly courageously embracing journeys uncharted course traversed diligently tenaciously overcoming obstacles faced forging connections enriching lives transforming landscapes giving birth novel endeavors breakthroughs redefining paradigms existing creating legacies enduring generations flourish thrive ensure sustainable harmony prevailed forevermore woven threads tapestry existence interwoven fabric humanity destined greatness shaped future generations inherit embraced lovingly nurtured carried onward respect dignity cherished always…
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