City of Pickering Calls on Government of Canada to Protect 7,500 Acres of Federal Land and Unlock 1,900 Acres for Economic Opportunities

Pickering, ON, May 26, 2026 - At last night’s Council meeting, the City of Pickering endorsed the Pickering Federal Lands - Land Use Review and Economic Analysis Recommendation Report, which calls for the protection of more than 7,500 acres of federal lands in north Pickering, with over 6,500 acres proposed for agricultural use within an expanded Rouge National Urban Park. The report recommends that 30-year farming leases be offered to encourage long-term agricultural investment.

With the City advocating for the protection of nearly 80 per cent of the federal lands, it also envisions setting aside 1,900 acres for prestige employment uses. The resulting economic impacts would be significant for Pickering, with an estimated $3.7 billion in investment, $244 million in upfront revenues, and $18 million in annual tax revenues. From a property tax perspective, if applied to the 2026 residential tax levy, the annual $18 million in commercial and industrial tax revenues would effectively reduce property taxes by approximately 17 per cent. 

Equally important, this employment area is expected to generate approximately 16,000 high‑quality jobs for local residents. Economic development and job creation are powerful antidotes to sprawl, and by creating commercial investment and employment opportunities close to home, the City can reduce the need for residents to commute to Toronto, Markham, Vaughan, or Mississauga for work. This shift will ease congestion on highways, lower emissions, and give residents more time to spend where it matters most - at home with family and friends.

Background:

In 2025, the federal government launched a consultation process to determine the future of what was formerly known as the Pickering airport lands. In response to this ongoing work, the City completed its own comprehensive review to clearly articulate Pickering’s priorities. The now‑endorsed report, prepared by SGL Planning & Design Inc., outlines a balanced vision that reflects extensive public engagement and aligns with federal priorities such as environmental protection, Rouge National Urban Park expansion, agricultural preservation, and economic development, and will be submitted to the Government of Canada as Pickering’s formal contribution to the federal consultation process.  Ultimately, it is the Government of Canada that will decide the future use, management, protection, and long-term direction of these federally-owned lands.

Quote:

“This is a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to shape the future of these lands in a way that reflects who we are and where we want to go as a community. By protecting the vast majority of the federal lands through the expansion of Rouge National Urban Park while strategically planning for high‑quality employment uses, we are advancing a vision that supports environmental stewardship, strengthens agriculture, and creates thousands of good‑paying jobs close to home. It’s a balanced approach that will reduce sprawl, ease congestion, and give more families the opportunity to build their future right here in Pickering.”

Kevin Ashe, Mayor, City of Pickering

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As the gateway to the east GTA, Pickering (population 118,000) is strategically located where Toronto, York and Durham Regions meet. An award-winning municipality, Pickering is slated for significant economic and residential growth; offering an unparalleled quality of life for those who live, work, and play here. Its dynamic City Centre has been designated by the Province of Ontario as both an Urban Growth Centre and Mobility Hub, and continues to evolve as a preferred destination for creative learning, memorable events, and unique experiences at the heart of a vibrant, connected, and engaged community.