The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation has reiterated its strong opposition to the City of Pickering’s plan to open up 1,600 hectares of land for development without proper “meaningful and legally required” consultation.
This First Nation has been clear about its stance against developing the lands in northeast Pickering for long-term housing and job opportunities since 2021. They are urging Durham Region to uphold the bilateral agreement renewed in July, which aims to establish strong partnerships and encourage meaningful engagement.
Chief Kelly La Rocca of Scugog Island First Nation sent a letter on Feb. 10 to the region’s Committee of the Whole, requesting that Durham Region refrain from entering into an Environmental Assessment funding agreement with the Northeast Pickering Landowners Group for regional services needed to support development in Northeast Pickering.
The First Nation submitted a request to the housing ministry last November for an individual comprehensive environmental assessment to look into “potential adverse impacts” from developing these lands. Unfortunately, their request “continues to be unaddressed.”
“It is also critical that Durham Region is aware that MSIFN has not entered into any form of a relationship agreement with the City of Pickering,” La Rocca stated, “and any claims otherwise are misinformation.”
Scugog Island First Nation Chief Kelly La Rocca
The letter pointed out four aspects of the Bilateral Agreement that are being violated, emphasizing that Scugog Island’s position on northeast Pickering “has not changed.”
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“It is crucial that Durham Region does not take actions that will fast track commencement of the EA.”
“We trust that Durham Region will act in the spirit of reconciliation and uphold the MSIFN-Durham Bilateral Agreement.”
Pickers’ city staff have prepared an Official Plan Amendment for the Northeast Pickering Secondary Plan, potentially allowing for as many as 70,000 new residents on these lands.
This plan aims to outline how this area will grow over the next 30 years while determining land use, transportation options, community design, building forms, streetscapes, and sustainable practices.
The land stretches from Westney Road on the west side to Eighth Concession at its northern edge, Lake Ridge Road on its east side and Highway 7 to the south. This area has seen pushback from residents and activists who wish it to be preserved as farmland.
Environmental groups like Land Over Landings-and their predecessors-who celebrated stopping the construction of Pickering Airport just a year ago are expected to express their opposition at upcoming meetings alongside representatives from Scugog Island First Nation.
Residents can learn more about this proposal during a virtual meeting scheduled for March 2.
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“It is crucial that Durham Region does not take actions that will fast track commencement of the EA.”
“We trust that Durham Region will act in the spirit of reconciliation and uphold the MSIFN-Durham Bilateral Agreement.”
Pickers’ city staff have prepared an Official Plan Amendment for the Northeast Pickering Secondary Plan, potentially allowing for as many as 70,000 new residents on these lands.
This plan aims to outline how this area will grow over the next 30 years while determining land use, transportation options, community design, building forms, streetscapes, and sustainable practices.
The land stretches from Westney Road on the west side to Eighth Concession at its northern edge, Lake Ridge Road on its east side and Highway 7 to the south. This area has seen pushback from residents and activists who wish it to be preserved as farmland.
Environmental groups like Land Over Landings-and their predecessors-who celebrated stopping the construction of Pickering Airport just a year ago are expected to express their opposition at upcoming meetings alongside representatives from Scugog Island First Nation.
Residents can learn more about this proposal during a virtual meeting scheduled for March 2.
INsauga’s Editorial Standards and Policies
Last 30 Days: 59,676 Votes
All Time: 1,231,294 Votes
3551 VOTES
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