The Pickering Lands encompass approximately 18,600 acres of land in Pickering, Markham and Uxbridge (56 kilometres northeast of downtown Toronto). The lands were acquired by the Government of Canada in 1972, to be retained for a possible future airport and to protect all future aviation options. Transport Canada is responsible for the day-to-day management and long-term planning of the federally owned Pickering Lands.
Transport Canada released a Needs Assessment Study in 2011 that indicated an additional airport in the region will be needed between 2027 and 2037, when capacity at existing airports in the Greater Golden Horseshoe area is predicted to be reached. At the time, the Government of Canada committed to developing a plan for the Pickering Lands.
Since 2011, the south-east quadrant of the existing lands has been identified as the site for a future airport. As a result, the western portion of this site (approximately 5,000 acres) will be transferred to Parks Canada to form part of the future Rouge National Urban Park. Transport Canada will follow a prescribed regulatory process to amend the Pickering Airport Site designation and the Pickering Airport Zoning Regulations. This process will include the engagement of stakeholders through formal public consultation. Transport Canada will also work in cooperation with the Province of Ontario to amend the Ministerial Zoning Orders to restrict development in the surrounding lands to activities compatible with a future airport. All regulatory work required to transfer lands for Rouge National Urban Park is expected to be completed by summer 2014.
In parallel, Transport Canada will engage with the province, regional and local municipalities, business interests and other stakeholders in the region to seek input on the future of the remaining Pickering Lands. Public information sessions will also take place on June 24 and 27, 2013 (please consult our Pickering Lands website for details). This input will help shape development and management plans for the future of the Pickering Lands, while protecting what is needed for future aviation purposes.
For more information, including a map of the lands, please visit our Pickering Lands website.
June 2013
