In a pivotal moment for land use in the Toronto region, the Canadian federal government is set to make a crucial decision regarding 37 square kilometres of land in Pickering, which has remained untouched for the past five decades. Originally earmarked for a proposed airport that never materialised, this spring will see the government determine the future of this valuable space. There are compelling visions for its use, ranging from integration into the adjacent Rouge National Urban Park to the potential for a thriving agricultural landscape that fosters public access and environmental stewardship.
A Land Frozen in Time
Nestled at the eastern edge of Toronto, the Pickering land has lain dormant since the early 1970s, a remnant of an airport plan that has long since been deemed unnecessary. With Pearson Airport capable of accommodating the region’s air traffic needs, the question of what to do with this land has finally come to the forefront. Following a prolonged period of uncertainty, the federal government is expected to conclude its consultation process by April 17, 2024, with the City of Pickering also preparing its own recommendations for land use and economic development in anticipation of a public meeting on April 22.
Competing Visions: Farmland vs. Development
As discussions unfold, various stakeholders are advocating for differing futures for the land. A coalition of non-governmental organisations, spearheaded by the Waterfront Regeneration Trust, has proposed a vision that prioritises working farmland and sustainable tourism. Renowned Danish landscape architects SLA have been enlisted to help realise this vision, which would include preserved agricultural landscapes and enhanced access to nature through a network of trails.
Rasmus Astrup, a design principal with SLA, emphasised the importance of protecting prime farmland and preserving vital ecosystems. “We are protecting prime farmland where it performs best, while stepping back from creeks and low-lying areas where water and biodiversity must take priority,” he explained in a recent correspondence. The coalition’s plan also advocates for sustainably managed forestry to delineate agricultural areas from encroaching urban development.
The Stakes for Toronto’s Food Security
The vision put forth by advocates like architect Ken Greenberg extends beyond mere land use; it reflects a fundamentally different approach to urban planning. Greenberg asserts that the relationship between the urban centre and its agricultural outskirts is essential for fostering a sustainable future. “It’s about a completely different way of thinking about the relationship between the hinterland of a big, growing city and all of the developed areas,” he stated in an interview. This approach seeks to maintain urban boundaries while allowing agriculture to flourish, providing fresh produce and a natural retreat for urban residents.
In sharp contrast, the alternative scenario involves the land being developed into typical residential and industrial zones. Alexis Whalen, chair of the advocacy group Land Over Landings, raises valid concerns about the implications of such development, particularly given the pressing issues of food insecurity and climate change. “Why, at this time of geopolitical, climate and food insecurity, would we entertain any development schemes for Class One soil?” Whalen questioned. She highlights the significance of this fertile land, which is ideally situated to serve a large urban population eager for fresh agricultural products.
The Path Forward
The discussion surrounding the future of Pickering’s land encapsulates broader themes of sustainability, food security, and responsible urban planning. The Toronto region already contains extensive underutilised spaces that could accommodate new housing and industrial development, making it unnecessary to pave over prime farmland.
As the federal government prepares to make its decision, it faces a unique opportunity to embrace a vision that prioritises agricultural preservation and public access over sprawl. The choices made today will shape the landscape for generations to come.
Why it Matters
The fate of the Pickering land is not merely a local issue; it reflects a critical crossroads in the relationship between urbanisation and agricultural sustainability in Canada. The decision to protect this land for agriculture could serve as a model for other regions grappling with similar challenges, promoting a future where urban centres and agricultural landscapes coexist harmoniously. By prioritising food security and environmental preservation, Canada can take a significant step toward fostering resilient communities that thrive both economically and ecologically.
