Environmental advocate Mike Borie is adding his voice to the many asking the city to halt all development plans in northeast Pickering until a “thorough agreement” is established with everyone involved, including the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.
“Pickering Council members, I urge and implore you to fully read and comprehend what the letter from Chief Kelly La Rocca clearly and precisely states concerning any development proposals – including any Environmental Assessment and/or studies concerning the Northeast Pickering lands/Carruthers Creek Headwaters.”
The First Nation reiterated its opposition last month to the City of Pickering’s plan to open up 1,600 hectares for development without “meaningful and legally required” consultation.
Scugog Island has publicly opposed developing the lands in northeast Pickering for long-term housing and job opportunities since 2021. They are calling on Durham Region to respect the bilateral agreement renewed in July, which outlines both parties’ intentions for strong partnerships and genuine engagement.
Chief Kelly La Rocca, in a letter signed by her and her councillors sent on February 10 to the region’s Committee of the Whole, is requesting that Durham Region not enter into an Environmental Assessment funding agreement with the Northeast Pickering Landowners Group for regional services needed to support development in northeast Pickering.
“We have been willing partners but our concerns and requests for proper consultation have gone unanswered. Despite our continuous efforts to document our opposition to development of northeast Pickering … meaningful consultation and accommodation has not occurred on this file. Durham Region must be aware that given the failure of the City of Pickering to address these outstanding concerns,” La Rocca and her councillors said in their letter.
The First Nation officially submitted a request with the housing ministry in November for an individual comprehensive environmental assessment aimed at addressing “potential adverse impacts” from developing these lands. Their request, however, “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.”
The letter pointed out four sections of the Bilateral Agreement that are being violated, stating Scugog Island’s stance on northeast Pickering “has not changed.”
The First Nation expressed that it “highly values” its relationship with the region. They hope regional council will “act in the spirit of reconciliation” and ensure further actions align with the MSIFN-Durham Bilateral Agreement.
La Rocca mentioned that commitments made by Durham Region in their recently renewed agreement aim to enhance processes supporting First Nation rights and interests. She urged Durham Region “to take this opportunity seriously” and make sure that environmental assessments proceed only after “meaningful consultation” led by them rather than by landowners groups.
“It is crucial that Durham Region does not take actions that will fast track commencement of the EA.”
City staff in Pickering have prepared an Official Plan Amendment regarding Northeast Pickering Secondary Plan, which could potentially welcome as many as 70,000 new residents.
This plan will outline how this area should develop over the next 30 years while determining land use, transportation options, public spaces design, built structures style, streetscape planning, and sustainable design practices for this region.
The area itself is bordered by Westney Road on one side, Eighth Concession on another side northward, Lake Ridge Road along its eastern edge, and Highway 7 at its southern boundary. It has long been a point of contention among residents and activists who wish it remain designated as farmland.
Other environmental groups like Land Over Landings-fresh off their victory just last year against establishing a nearby airport-are also opposing this current plan.
Irene Ford-a Vaughan resident who’s been battling against Doug Ford’s provincial government over Greenbelt destruction-has called for an end to what she describes as “developer-led sprawl.” “Please put an end to this nonsense,” she stated firmly.
“I am tired and exhausted from this developer-led sprawl-intensive development charade meant only to please council members. Please put an end to this nonsense,” Irene Ford emphasized.
The next meeting regarding these issues held by Pickering Council will take place on March 23.
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