The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation have agreed to a consultation regarding possible development in northeast Pickering, but they’ve made it clear that they still oppose any large housing projects on the former Pickering Airport lands.
This agreement with the City of Pickering was revealed this week after the council unanimously approved the consultation framework on Sept. 20. The Mayor of Pickering described the Memorandum of Understanding as a “very, very special” motion.
Despite this new agreement, the First Nation’s opposition to development in northeast Pickering remains unchanged. Chief Kelly La Rocca from Scugog Island emphasized that while the agreement allows for “meaningful engagement,” it does not signify MSIFN support for any development in that area.
Land designated in the Northeast Pickering Secondary Plan is mainly comprised of Class 1 agricultural soils, which are some of Ontario’s most productive and limited farmland-about 4,356 acres or 93 percent of the plan area falls into this category.
According to La Rocca, “The MOA is about making sure MSIFN is not an afterthought in discussions about decisions that may affect our Treaty and Aboriginal right to land.” She further stated that this does not alter their concerns regarding the Northeast Pickering Secondary Plan and should not be interpreted as backing for development there.
“It gives us a clear path for continued dialogue with the intent of honouring meaningful consultation.”
The agreement focuses on “recognizing and respecting treaties, advancing reconciliation, and building respectful and collaborative relationships” with Indigenous communities. La Rocca mentioned that it sets up a formal process and begins a 120-day timeline to finalize a consultation protocol, aiming for January as a deadline.
Pickering Councillor Linda Cook referred to it as a “significant” agreement that many thought would “never happen,” especially after Scugog Island repeatedly raised issues about consultation practices, cumulative impacts, and potential effects on Aboriginal and Treaty Rights when the city approved the Northeast Pickering Secondary Plan earlier this year.
The Class 1 farmland is considered important at a provincial level. According to provincial planning guidelines, any expansion onto prime agricultural land must be justified by demonstrated need based on current data along with land supply and alternatives available.
La Rocca noted that this MOU reflects a “shared commitment” to strengthen ties between both parties as they work towards establishing long-term consultation protocols through honest communication.
“Until that protocol is realized, the MOU provides an interim framework for engagement,” she explained, expressing hope that these discussions will lead to “greater clarity and certainty” regarding how both sides can collaborate on future planning matters in their region.
The resolution passed by city officials on Sept. 20 states that staff are authorized to work together with Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation in developing a consultation protocol for the Northeast Pickering Secondary Plan so they can participate in negotiations towards an agreement.
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