The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation has reiterated its stance against the City of Pickering’s plan to develop 1,600 hectares of land without what they call “meaningful and legally required” consultation.
This First Nation has opposed the development of lands in northeast Pickering for long-term housing and job creation since 2021. They are urging Durham Region to respect the bilateral agreement renewed in July that outlines both parties’ goals to build strong partnerships and engage meaningfully.
Scugog Island First Nation Chief Kelly La Rocca sent a letter on Feb. 10 to the region’s Committee of the Whole, asking Durham Region not to enter into an Environmental Assessment funding agreement with the Northeast Pickering Landowners Group for necessary regional services related to this development.
In November, the First Nation officially requested an individual comprehensive environmental assessment from the housing ministry to evaluate “potential adverse impacts” stemming from this land development. However, their request remains “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 highlighted four sections of the Bilateral Agreement that have been violated, affirming that Scugog Island’s position on northeast Pickering “has not changed.”
![]()
“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.”
Parker city staff have drafted an Official Plan Amendment for the Northeast Pickering Secondary Plan, which could potentially lead to accommodating up to 70,000 new residents on these lands.
This plan will establish a vision and guiding principles for how this area is expected to develop over the next 30 years. It will cover aspects such as land use, transportation, placemaking, built form, streetscape design, and sustainability.
The land stretches between Westney Road on the west side, Eighth Concession on the north side, Lake Ridge Road on its east side and Highway 7 at its southern border. This area has long been a point of contention for residents and activists advocating for its preservation as farmland.
Environmental groups like Land Over Landings are expected to express their objections at an upcoming meeting along with representatives from Scugog Island First Nation after recently celebrating a significant victory regarding stopping construction for a nearby airport just last year.
Residents can learn more about this proposal during a virtual meeting scheduled for March 2.
INsauga’s Editorial Standards and Policies
Last 30 Days: 31,897 Votes
All Time: 1,254,350 Votes
190 VOTES
Source link
“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.”
Parker city staff have drafted an Official Plan Amendment for the Northeast Pickering Secondary Plan, which could potentially lead to accommodating up to 70,000 new residents on these lands.
This plan will establish a vision and guiding principles for how this area is expected to develop over the next 30 years. It will cover aspects such as land use, transportation, placemaking, built form, streetscape design, and sustainability.
The land stretches between Westney Road on the west side, Eighth Concession on the north side, Lake Ridge Road on its east side and Highway 7 at its southern border. This area has long been a point of contention for residents and activists advocating for its preservation as farmland.
Environmental groups like Land Over Landings are expected to express their objections at an upcoming meeting along with representatives from Scugog Island First Nation after recently celebrating a significant victory regarding stopping construction for a nearby airport just last year.
Residents can learn more about this proposal during a virtual meeting scheduled for March 2.
INsauga’s Editorial Standards and Policies
Last 30 Days: 31,897 Votes
All Time: 1,254,350 Votes
190 VOTES
Source link
