City Council Moves Forward on Farmland Development

Pickering council has given the green light to a plan that will develop around 1,600 hectares of valuable Ontario farmland, despite the fact that important environmental studies, cost analyses, and consultations with Indigenous communities have yet to be completed.

This proposed project could potentially accommodate up to 72,000 residents on land that is currently surrounded by the protected Greenbelt, which is known for its environmental sensitivity.

A special council meeting lasting five hours took place online on May 20, where many residents, environmental advocates, landowners, consultants, and city staff voiced their opinions before the council approved the Northeast Pickering Secondary Plan with a vote of 5-2.

Supporters claimed this project is essential for managing long-term population growth, creating jobs, and addressing future housing needs. However, opponents argued that the city is acting too hastily while significant environmental and infrastructure assessments are still pending. They pointed out that Pickering already has sufficient urban land available for future housing expansion without sacrificing prime farmland.

City planning documents indicate that major studies regarding flooding, watersheds, and hydrology are still years away from being finished.

City staff conceded there’s no urgent need for housing construction in northeast Pickering at this time but contended that these lands are crucial for the city’s long-term growth strategies and upcoming population estimates.

Mayor Kevin Ashe supported the approval by stating it was necessary for allowing city staff to proceed with further studies.

Farmland throughout Ontario faces increasing pressure from development as Premier Doug Ford urges municipalities to contribute towards his government’s aim of building 1.5 million homes by 2031.

Only about 0.5 percent of farmland in Canada is considered prime Class 1 – the highest-quality farmland suitable for nearly all types of crops. Ontario is losing more than 120 hectares of farmland daily due to development activities.

The Ford government has linked some provincial funding to municipal housing targets; cities achieving these targets receive rewards while those lagging behind face penalties. However, Pickering is one of several municipalities already exceeding provincial housing goals.

Additionally, the city seeks federal support to redesignate thousands of hectares of former Pickering airport land – also classified as Class 1 farmland – for future development opportunities.

Councillors raise concerns

During the council meeting, Coun. Lisa Robinson voiced strong opposition to the plan, stating that council was being asked to approve a “massive irreversible planning framework” before vital studies were concluded.

“To approve first and study the consequences later is not responsible planning,” Robinson said. “It is backwards planning.”

Robinson also questioned why this project seemed urgent when there are still “underutilized lands, redevelopment opportunities, intensification potential and unfinished growth areas.”

Map of the proposed Northeast Pickering Secondary Plan area approved by Pickering council for future development. Photo courtesy of the City of Pickering.

“Why are we rushing to pave over some of the best agricultural land in this country? Because once it’s gone , it’s gone forever,” Robinson told the council.

Coun. Maurice Brenner , who also voted against this proposal , expressed concern mainly about unresolved consultation with Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation , who oppose this plan due to environmental impacts as well as Aboriginal rights.

” I felt that moving forward jeopardized these discussions which would look at environment , flooding , and need for agriculture ,” Brenner told . ” At this point in time , there remains many options for future housing growth which must be explored while factoring in current economic impact on housing ,” he added.

Environmental advocates question need for expansion

Environmental advocates stated approval granted under Secondary Plan shifts debate from whether or not land should be developed into how exactly it will eventually be developed.

” Council has tried framing this as ‘ only policy document ,’ but policy enables developments proceed,” said Helen Brenner co – lead anti-sprawl advocacy group Stop Sprawl Durham. ” This decision locks planning framework first asks questions later — including most basic question : do we actually need land ? “

Brenner questioned why councils were pushing ahead before critical studies finalized.

“What’s rush?” she asked counsel.” Residents repeatedly told plan necessary now; where’s completed evidence demonstrating expansion required now?”

She also raised issues concerning climate change effects , flooding downstream watershed risks saying councils lacked complete financial picture full environmental analysis before permitting developments thousands acres farmland.

Matthew Corey planning consultant representative Northeast Pickering Landowners Group defended proposal argued lands needed help meet long-term provincial housing targets.

“This isn’t happening quickly ; happens over time,” Corey noted full buildout might take fifteen twenty years timeline reflects city’s upcoming demands.

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