Will the Federal Government Squander or Leave a Legacy on Toronto’s Doorstep?

Hosted by Environmental Defence

The Pickering Airport Lands have been held in public trust for more than 50 years. In the early 1970s, the Federal Government acquired a 75 km2 (18,600 acres) parcel of land known as the Pickering Airport Lands, to develop a new international airport. Amid backlash from citizens, the government put this plan on hold in 1975 and focused their efforts on expanding Toronto Pearson International Airport and leasing the Pickering properties to residents and farmers.

In January 2025, the Federal government announced the cancellation of the airport and a future transfer of the “high conservation value” Pickering Lands to Parks Canada. Transport Canada is currently working with Parks Canada, Public Service and Procurement Canada, Canada Lands Company, and Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada to assess options for the future uses of the lands. 

The Federal government’s proposal to cherry-pick “high conservation value” parcels while entertaining residential, commercial and industrial development threatens to squander an opportunity to create a legacy on Toronto’s doorstep. 

The future of these lands is up for debate. Join Environmental Defence

📅 April 14 | 🕖 7:00 PM 

➡️ Learn more and register for the webinar here ⬅️