Federal Pickering Lands

The Pickering Federal Lands, located in north Pickering, were originally expropriated by the Government of Canada in the early 1970s for the development of a future airport. The original acquisition in 1972 was approximately 7,530 hectares (18,600 acres). However, over two transfers, a portion was allocated to the Rouge National Urban Park. As of the last configuration, the lands were reduced to approximately 3,500 hectares (8,700 acres).

The lands generally form a large rectangular block whose boundaries are defined by major area roadways, which can serve as a close approximation:

The area is situated north of Highway 7 and east of the Rouge River Valley and the primary tract of the Rouge National Urban Park.
The southern boundary is roughly aligned with Taunton Road or slightly north of it in the Pickering section. · The western boundary is near Steeles Avenue East (in Markham, running north to Rouge National Urban Park boundaries).
The lands extend north towards areas of Uxbridge and east towards the area of Highway 47 Pickering Federal Lands

Historical timeline with key developments, announcements, and studies:

Expropriation

The Government of Canada expropriates approximately 18,600 acres of land across Pickering, Uxbridge, and Markham for the purpose of a second international airport to serve the Greater Toronto Area.

Airport Project Shelved

Preliminary construction activity is halted when the Government of Ontario withdraws its agreement to provide the necessary road and sewer infrastructure for the airport site. The land remains under federal ownership, primarily managed by Transport Canada, with farmland and houses leased to tenants.

Airport Project Resurfaces

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) develops a Pickering Airport Draft Plan.

Aviation Needs Study

The GTAA conducts a Southern Ontario Aviation Needs Study for Transport Canada. A 2011 report from this study forecasts an additional airport would be needed between 2027 and 2037 and identifies the Pickering Lands as an ideal location.

June: Revised Plan & First Land Transfer

The federal government announces a "balanced approach," setting aside about 3,500 hectares (8,700 acres) for a potential future airport (needed in the 2027–2037 timeframe). Approximately 2,000 hectares (5,000 acres) in York Region are earmarked for transfer to Parks Canada to create the new Rouge National Urban Park (RNUP).

April: RNUP Creation

The first transfer of approximately 1,910 hectares (4,700 acres) of land is completed, establishing the initial Rouge National Urban Park boundary.

July: Independent Advisor Appointed

Transport Canada announces an independent advisor will consult on potential economic opportunities, including a future airport, and commits to offering 10 year agricultural leases (replacing 1 year leases) to tenants.

May 2016: Pickering Lands Aviation Sector Analysis

Transport Canada awards the contract to KPMG LLP (in partnership with WSP) to undertake the Pickering Lands Aviation Sector Analysis. This multi-phase study was intended to update forecasts of aviation demand and evaluate the potential role of a new airport on the Pickering Lands within the Southern Ontario airport system.

April: RNUP Expansion

A second transfer of land, an additional approximately 2,100 hectares (5,200 acres), is completed, further expanding the Rouge National Urban Park. Transport Canada retains approximately 3,521 hectares (8,700 acres) for a potential future airport.

Further Studies & Campaigns

Transport Canada initiates the regulatory process to update the Pickering Airport Site Zoning Regulations (PASZRs) to enable a smaller planned airport site. The final phase of the KPMG report is completed in spring 2019. The study notably concluded that the southern Ontario airport system, with improvements to existing airports, had sufficient capacity and a new airport on the Pickering Lands would not be needed before 2036 from a capacity standpoint notwithstanding factors that could form the basis for justifying development of an airport beyond for additional system capacity.

Municipal Withdrawal of Support

Pickering City Council passed a motion that the Council for The City of Pickering does not support an airport on the Pickering Lands and that no further resources and/or funds be utilized to promote an airport on the Pickering Lands.

Minister of Transport announces study on airport capacity needs in Southern Ontario

Transport Canada has issued a Request for Proposals to hire an aviation professional services contractor to help the department analyze current and future airport supply and demand in Southern Ontario. The contractor will assist Transport Canada officials in scoping the requirements for a comprehensive study of airport capacity in Southern Ontario, as well as a formal consultation process. This analysis, as well as engagement with local stakeholders, the provincial and municipal governments, and Indigenous Peoples, is a first step towards making a final decision to address future airport capacity constraints in the region, and on the future of the Pickering Lands.

January: Airport Plans Cancelled

The Minister of Transport announces that the Pickering Lands will not be used for a future airport site, concluding over 50 years of debate. The Government of Canada announces its intent to transfer the high conservation value lands to Parks Canada for a significant expansion of the Rouge National Urban Park. Consultations with Indigenous partners, tenants, and the public on the future use of the remaining lands are planned.

September 2025: Federal Government Begins Consultations

Transport Canada is working closely with Parks Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada, Canada Lands Company, and Housing Infrastructure and Communities Canada to assess options for the future use of the lands. The federal government intends to engage a broad range of interested parties, including the province, municipalities, current tenants and leaseholders on the future of the Pickering Lands.

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Pickering, Ontario
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