Federal Lands

The federal government announced on January 27, 2025, that building an airport on the Federal lands in Pickering is no longer a threat. Instead, most of the lands still retained by the federal government will be transferred to Rouge National Urban Park. We extend our heartiest congratulations to our Land Over Landings colleagues – it was their persistent pushing and pushing which led to this announcement. The roots of GDA and Land Over Landings are in the People or Planes movement 50 years ago. Some of our members from those early days had their land expropriated. GDA’s work has focused on incremental removals of land from the enormous land holding, and on pushing for longer term agricultural leases to ensure best use of the land.

The federal Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has released their plan regarding next steps.

A formal consultative process will begin with the Rouge National Urban Park First Nations Advisory Circle, including the seven Williams Treaty Nations and three other Nations (Mississaugas of the Credit, Huron-Wendat, and Six Nations of the Grand River)

Following Indigenous consultations, the government will engage the public and key stakeholders for input on the proposed land transfer

Land Assessment & Due Diligence: Parks Canada will work with Transport Canada to assess land parcels based on ecological value, restoration potential, and wildlife connectivity. Environmental site assessments and cultural heritage evaluations will be conducted per Treasury Board directives

Final Transfer Process: Pending the outcomes of consultations and assessments, the Government of Canada will finalize the transfer of suitable lands to Parks Canada for inclusion in Rouge National Urban Park

Funding & Management Plan: Parks Canada will determine the financial and operational requirements to manage the transferred lands effectively.