Land Over Landings: A 52-Year Fight to Save Pickering Farmland

In 1972, 18,600 acres of mostly Class 1 farmland in north Pickering were expropriated by the Federal Government for an airport that wasn’t built. They were, and still are, some of our province’s most productive farmlands, essential to food security in a region of rapid development and population growth. They also contribute to invaluable biodiversity connectivity within the region and are home to freshwater streams and natural habitat corridors. 

In 2015 and 2017, thanks to significant grassroots efforts, more than half of the lands were transferred to Rouge National Urban Park (RNUP), where they and their agricultural component are now safeguarded. Two major wins for Ontario farmland protection! Pressured to save the rest of the land, Transport Canada announced, in 2023, that it had no intention of building an airport there in the near term. Needs assessment reports have been unable to justify doing so.  

A delay isn’t a solution. We need an urgent decision, and the right one. Paving over the remaining land would do irreparable agricultural and ecological damage. The Federal Government needs to enhance the food security of future generations by ensuring that this swath of irreplaceable farmland on the GTA’s doorstep is also protected within RNUP and dedicated to helping new farmers get a sound start. 

“The Federal Government needs to recognize the economic importance of agriculture and capitalize on a rare opportunity: to match eager (and critically needed) entrant farmers with affordable, long-term agricultural leases on the Pickering Federal Lands. Close to major markets, this prime farmland promises a sustainable pathway to greater food security and the creation of new businesses in north Pickering and vicinity; all that’s missing is political will. In a climate crisis, farmland is for food and farmers, not runways and rooftops.”  Alexis Whalen, Chair, Land Over Landings 

Land Over Landings, successor to People or Planes, was born in 2005 to oppose a new round of evictions and demolitions on the expropriated lands of north Pickering. They were – and remain – part protesters but mostly advocates. Their overriding aim is to ensure the preservation of this rich farmland for the benefit of future generations. Check out how you can join the fight here.