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.
Pickering Federal Lands
The City of Pickering will be hosting an Open House Consultation on the Future Uses of the Pickering Lands. Details as follows:
- April 22, 2026 5pm-8pm
- City of Pickering City Hall Lobby
1 The Esplanade S, Pickering, ON L1V 6K7
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:
Contact Us
One The Esplanade
Pickering, Ontario
Canada L1V 6K7
905.420.4625