| OPPOSING AN AIRPORT / FEDERAL LANDS |
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“I have strongly and consistently said that I, and the majority of residents I represent, do not support the establishment of an airport in North
Pickering. I worked with community groups, at Council, and with federal representatives and successfully got a commitment to a peer review of the airport
proposal. I continue to fight for an open and public process, oppose an airport, and for fair treatment of residents on the federal
lands.” - David Pickles |
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Pickering council hopes for airport referendum
Thursday October 29th, 2009
By Kristen Calis
(newsdurhamregion.com) |
Sabrina Byrnes / Metroland
PICKERING -- Laura Drake from the Pickering Museum Village chatted with David Boccia at the open house hosted by Ward 1 Regional Councillor Bonnie Littley at the Petticoat Creek Community Centre
on Oct. 17. Local organizations set up booths to inform the public about issues related to climate change,
urban growth and food security.
October 17, 2009 |
PICKERING -- Pickering residents may be voting on more than who will be running their city next November.
At the latest council meeting, Ward 2 Regional Councillor Bill McLean introduced a motion that the question of whether residents support a possible airport in north Pickering
be added to the municipal election ballot in 2010. He felt public opinion is an important factor to be considered regarding plans for the land, expropriated by the
federal government in 1972 and now sitting mainly vacant.
The ballot would include the question: ‘Do you support the City of Pickering's position to oppose construction and operation of an airport in the City of Pickering? Yes or No’
“This I think is an important question to put on the ballot,” Coun. McLean said, adding council is strongly opposed to an airport.
He said many people new to Pickering don't even know about the federal government's plans. Plus, he feels the referendum would encourage people to get out and vote.
Ward 3 Regional Councillor Rick Johnson felt it would convolute the election process and did not support the motion. Plus, he's expecting an answer from the Greater
Toronto Airports Authority by the end of 2009 on whether the airport will go ahead.
“The people in Ward 3 know our position,” he said, referring to council's opposition.
Ward 1 City Councillor Jennifer O'Connell said it would send a message to the Region of Durham, which currently has a Pickering airport mapped out in its official plan. Also,
not everyone gets involved in political matters, she said, and this is a good time to let those residents express their feelings on the topic.
Ward 3 City Councillor David Pickles didn't support the motion, since after putting forward many motions in opposition to an airport, he feels it's obvious most Pickering residents don't support one either.
But Ward 2 City Councillor Doug Dickerson felt the question is necessary.
“At some point you have to ask people the question,” he said. “It's been floating around for 37 years.”
Five of the seven councillors supported the motion.
This is only the first step in a long process for the possible referendum, which will include giving notice to the public and holding a public meeting, said City Clerk Debi Wilcox.
“This is basically step one,” she said.
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Pickering Says No to Airport
Wednesday January 21st, 2009
(newsdurhamregion.com) |
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Submitted drawing
This 2004 drawing shows the location of the proposed airport in Pickering. |
PICKERING - It would be premature for the federal government to allocate $2 billion for a future airport in Pickering before a proper business case is presented, says Pickering Council.
At Monday's meeting, Council unanimously passed a motion put forward by Ward 1 Regional Councillor Bonnie Littley that
"the Federal Minister of Finance and the Regional Chair of Durham Region do not advocate for federal infrastructure funding for an airport in Pickering until such time as a viable and accepted
business case can be presented."
Rumours are swirling that Minister of Finance and Whitby-Oshawa MP Jim Flaherty will approve the proposed Pickering airport in next week's fiscal stimulus
package. In 1972, the federal government expropriated 18,600 acres of farmland for the possibility of an airport in north Pickering. But a shovel hasn't yet touched the
ground. An environmental assessment is scheduled to be complete this year.
Durham Regional Chairman Roger Anderson said at Wednesday's finance committee meeting the issue came up when Ajax-Pickering MP Mark Holland asked for a list of
infrastructure projects. He sent the list he'd shared with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities which contained a slew of road, bridges, sewer and water works projects,
but also added the airport because the feds have said they'll make a decision about it in 2009.
"It's time the federal government made a decision one way or another on the airport," he said, adding the size of the pipes slated for the Seaton community will be dependant on whether
or not there's going to be an airport. As well, potential Seaton residents have a right to know if they'll be living next to an airport.
Mr. Anderson later said perhaps he shouldn't have put it on the list for Mr. Holland, but overall he thinks the airport would mean long-term jobs for Durham.
Ward 1 City Councillor David Pickles said there are a number of projects in Durham Region and Pickering that are shovel-ready, and those should be the areas granted infrastructure
funding. The motion itself said transit, roads, water and sewer projects are areas currently in critical need of infrastructure funding.
"I would hate to see any of that money allocated toward an airport I hope to never see take place," he said.
Council also reinstated its opposition to an airport being built in Pickering.
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Letter to Minister Cannon |
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October 25, 2006
The Honourable Lawrence Cannon
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
470 Avenue Buckingham
Gatineau, QC J8L 2G9
Dear Minister Cannon:
As you know, I have strongly and consistently said that I, and the majority of residents I represent, do not support the establishment of an airport in North Pickering.
I worked at Council, with community groups, and with federal representatives to represent the community's views.
The community and I have a longstanding request for a peer review of the Greater Toronto Airport Authority's business case and Master Plan for an airport proposal.
The previous government made a commitment to a due diligence review and I am pleased that your government appears to be honouring this commitment. However, this process must be open, transparent, include the appropriate Terms of Reference and include input from the public.
On November 21, 2005, I moved a resolution, Resolution #207/05, that passed unanimously at Council. I have attached a copy of the full motion for your information. In summary, the resolution supported a due diligence review with ample opportunity for Pickering Council and interested members of the community to participate in the process. It also requested that the review include:
- a 10-year time horizon;
- a comprehensive airport supply and demand analysis of airport traffic growth including the potential opportunity and role of all existing southern Ontario airports, within 200 kilometres of Greater Toronto service area;
- a review of airport governance in southern Ontario;
- a comprehensive business case analysis of a potential airport in Pickering to determine if any airport proposal could be profitable on a stand alone basis;
- an independent review of the GTAA's Airport Master Plan and supporting documentation including updated FAA information, and
- funding to the City of Pickering with respect to costs.
On June 19, 2006, subsequent to your government being formed, I again moved a motion to confirm this position of Council and that motion also carried.
In light of recent communications I have seen from your office and Transport Canada, I am very concerned that the due diligence review process being contemplated by the federal government does not appear to be sufficient or adequate to the residents and their representative Council.
I continue to fight for an open and public process, oppose an airport, and for fair treatment of residents on the federal lands. I implore you to reconsider the due diligence review process and respect the fair and reasonable requests of the constituents of Pickering.
As well, the Pickering lands have a long and proud tradition of settlement and farming. I ask for your attention in ensuring the fair treatment of residents on the federal lands and an end to unnecessary evictions and demolitions to buildings that are decimating this community.
Yours truly,
David Pickles
City Councillor, Ward 3
Attachment
| Copy: | Mark Holland, MP Ajax-Pickering |
| | Members of Council |
| | Chief Administrative Officer |
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View Resolution #207/05 referred to in the letter above.
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In April 2001, the federal Transport Minister asked the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) to prepare a master plan for a future regional reliever airport on the Pickering lands. |
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In 2002, a financial analysis prepared by the GTAA concluded that a regional reliever airport was feasible beginning with general aviation service in 2012 and commercial operations beginning between 2015 and 2019. The report made a number of assumptions and projections about the closure of airports at Buttonville and Oshawa and when Pearson airport would reach its assumed 50 million passenger capacity threshold.
The GTAA has also completed a draft plan for the airport and commencing in 2005 will be going through the required federal environment assessment (EA). It is anticipated that the EA will take two years to complete, and that community input will be sought at a number of stages during the process. Ultimately, in 2007 or later, the Government of Canada will decide on whether an airport is built in Pickering.
In discussions with former Federal Transport Minister David Collenette and his staff, I conveyed to him that I and the majority of Pickering residents that I have spoken with oppose the establishment of an airport in Pickering.
As well, I received Pickering Council's support for my resolution to have several community associations' representatives sit on the GTAA's Pickering Advisory Committee (PAC). Although the GTAA only accepted one of those representatives to sit on PAC, the GTAA have also established a Community Communications Working Group on which those community representatives and I sit. I have formally requested that the City undertake an independent and thorough review of the GTAA's findings and report back to Pickering Council and residents. I will continue to have a key role in protecting Pickering residents' and Pickering's interests in these processes.
| November 21, 2005 |
Chief Administrative Office, Report CAO 13-05
Transport Canada - Federal Airport Lands
Due Diligence Review of Airport Master Plan |
| Resolution # 207/05 |
Moved by Councillor Pickles
Seconded by Councillor Brenner |
- That Report CAO 13-05 concerning the Federal Government's due diligence review of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority's Master Plan for the Federal Lands in Pickering be received.
- That the Federal Government be advised that Pickering Council supports the completion of a due diligence review of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority's (GTAA's) Master Plan for the Federal Lands in Pickering, by the Federal Minister of Transport.
- That the Federal Minister of Transport be requested to ensure that the due diligence review provides ample opportunity for Pickering Council and interested members of the community to participate in the process.
- That the Federal Minister of Transport be requested to ensure the due diligence review includes (but is not necessarily limited to) the following considerations:
- A 10-year time horizon. A forecast horizon of 10 years increases the reliability and credibility of the forecast to the community. A 10 year horizon aligns the need for a viable and responsible airport infrastructure system with actual need.
- A comprehensive airport supply and demand analysis of airport traffic growth including the potential opportunity and role of all existing southern Ontario airports in accommodating projected airport traffic growth. This study should incorportate the design and expansion capacity of all existing facilities within 200 kilometers of Greater Toronto service area into the capacity and growth equation.
- A review of airport governance in southern Ontario. Achieving system wide operating efficiencies in the governance model should be the goal of a system that is beneficial and relevant to taxpayers.
- A comprehensive business case analysis of a potential airport in Pickering. The City of Pickering has consistently required that any airport proposal be profitable on a stand along basis as a requirement of any airport facility receiving endorsement. A business case analysis should analyze all aspects including ground rents for Federal lands at market rates as well as construction costs including permit fees in the profitability analyzes of any proposal.
- An independent review of the GTAA's Airport Master Plan and supporting documentation including updated FAA information based on the business case considerations listed above. Airport Improvement Fees at locations other than Pickering should not form any part of a proposal to build, finance, or operate a Pickering facility.
- That Transport Canada be requested to provide head count funding to the City of Pickering with respect to untoward staffing costs.
- That a copy of this Report and resolutions be forwarded to the Local Management Office of Transport Canada, Federal Minister of Transport, the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, the Region of Durham, Members of Parliament for Ajax-Pickering and Pickering-Scarborough East, and Member of Provincial Parliament for Pickering-Ajax-Uxbridge.
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| Notice of Motion - June 19, 2006 |
Moved by Councillor Pickles
Seconded by Councillor Johnson |
WHEREAS Council of the Corporation of the City of Pickering passed Resolution #207/05 (attached) on November 21, 2005, with respect to supporting the due diligence review of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority's Master Plan for the Federal Lands in Pickering;
WHEREAS in the Resolution Council requested that the Federal Minister of Transport be requested to ensure that the due diligence review provides ample opportunity for Pickering Council and interested members of the community to participate in the process;
WHEREAS in the Resolution Council requested the Federal Minister of Transport ensure the due diligence review includes (but is not necessarily limited to) a number of specific considerations listed in the Resolution;
WHEREAS the City of Pickering understands that the Federal Minister of Transport has indicated that the due diligence review will not provide an opportunity for Pickering Council or members of the community to comment on the drafting of the Terms of Reference or participate in the due diligence review process;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the City of Pickering urge the Federal Minister of Transport to provide an opportunity for Pickering Council and members of the community to comment on the drafting of the Terms of Reference or the participate in the due diligence review process.
THAT the Council of the City of Pickering urge the Federal Minister of Transport to ensure the due diligence review includes (but is not necessarily limited to) the considerations listed in the Resolution.
THAT Transport Canada be requested to provide head count funding to the City of Pickering with respect to untoward staffing costs.
THAT a copy of this Report and resolutions be forwarded to the Local Management Office of Transport Canada, Federal Minister of Transport, the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, the Region of Durham, Members of Parliament for Ajax-Pickering and Pickering-Scarborough East, and Member of Provincial Parliament for Pickering-Ajax-Uxbridge.
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Pickering reiterates demand for say on airport
Public should be heard during peer review, says council
Jun 22, 2006
By Danielle Milley Staff Writer
Pickering News Advertiser
PICKERING -- Pickering wants to be heard when it comes to the peer review of the plan for the proposed Pickering airport.
Ward 3 City Councillor David Pickles introduced a motion at the June 19 council meeting requesting that the federal transport minister ensure the due diligence review of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority's plan provides an opportunity for Pickering council and interested members of the community to participate.
"We made a very important recommendation that members of the community should get to have their say," he said.
Coun. Pickles had previously introduced -- and council passed -- motions asking the federal government to include public consultation in the review. He wanted to reiterate their position for the new Conservative government.
Council again supported the motion.
"This is an issue that is not going to go away. It must be dealt with and allow the community to be involved," said Ward 3 Regional Councillor Rick Johnson. "These issues have to be dealt with and brought forward with the community being consulted, not just told what is going on."
Last month, Ajax-Pickering MP Mark Holland reported staff in Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon's office said there would be no public consultation on the review to be conducted by Transport Canada. Mr. Cannon's communications director said in mid-May she couldn't confirm or deny if that was true.
"It is my understanding the federal minister of transportation is not going to provide that opportunity to the public to have input," Coun. Pickles said. "It's a very important omission by the federal government that they're not going to allow public input."
He asked for and received council's unanimous support to send a strong message to the government.
"It really does speak to the issues we have been talking about for the past 30 years and mainly that the federal government didn't think about what the people wanted," said Ward 2 City Councillor Doug Dickerson.
He said the government needs to be open to hearing from the community on this issue.
"They need to be willing to sit down and communicate their thought process and allow thoughts to be communicated back to them," he said. |
The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) can be contacted at (905) 619-4822
or www.gtaa.com
or by dropping by their Pickering site office at Highway 7 and Brock Rd. in Brougham. |
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"I have clearly spoken against the lack of fair treatment of residents on the federal lands and the demoliation of buildings.
Working at Council and with residents and the local Members of Parliment we have stopped the eviction of some residents and demolition of some homes such as the Tullis Cottage.
I continue fight for these residents!"
- Councillor David Pickles | |
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In 1972, the federal government acquired 18,600 acres of land north of Highway 7, mostly in Pickering. These lands were acquired to locate a new international airport, which did not proceed. Much of these lands are presently leased to tenants and are being farmed.
Councillor Pickles in front of the Tullis Cottage |
| November 7, 2005 |
| Protection of Heritage Sites on Pickering Airport Lands |
| Resolution # 202/05 |
WHEREAS the Tullis Cottage represents an important piece of Pickering heritage and is under threat of demolition by the federal government; and
WHEREAS the Barclay family, who have lived at the Tullis property for more than one hundred and fifty years, is facing impending eviction and this places the Tullis Cottage in immediate jeopardy; and
WHEREAS there are other key heritage homes and sites located on the Pickering airport lands that are also at risk of demolition, and which represent important aspects of Pickering's history; and
WHEREAS the federal government has responsibility as a landowner to help preserve and project local heritage on it's properties; and
WHEREAS Mark Holland, Member of Parliament for the affected area, has called for the fereral government to meet its responsibiliteis and protect homes and sites of significant heritage value;
NOW THEREFORE, the Corporation of the City of Pickering hereby requests the Minister of Transport to withdraw its action to evict the Barclay family from the Tullis Cottage in recognition of its importance of preserving Pickering's history; and
THAT the Minister of Transport commit immediately to protect and preserve the Tullis Cottage, the Brougham Hall, Temperance Hall, the Altona Inn and the Brougham Schoolhouse as the most important heritage sites on the Pickering Airport Lands; and
THAT the Minister of Transport, in conjunction with the local heritage working group established by Public Wroks and Government Services Canada, develop a plan to preserve and protect other areas of key importance to Pickering's heritage by no later than March of 2006 that would be acted upon immediately upon its release; and
THAT this motion be circulated to Mark Holland, M.P. Ajax-Pickering, The Honourable Dan McTeague, M.P. Pickering-Scarborough East, The Honourable Jean Lapierre, Minister of Transport, the Honourable Scott Brison, Minister of Public Works, and Government Services Canada. |
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CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY ON A RECORDED VOTE: |
| YEA |
NAY |
| Councillor Ashe | |
| Councillor Brenner | |
| Councillor Dickerson | |
| Councillor Johnson | |
| Councillor McLean | |
| Councillor Pickles | |
| Mayor Ryan | | |
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I was pleased with Transport Canada's Green Space announcement in 2001 to protect the Oak Ridges Moraine portion of the federal lands in Pickering. Transport Canada is developing a Master Plan for this portion of the federal lands, and has appointed a Green Space Stewardship Advisory Committee to assist them in this work.
Councillor Pickles in front of the Brougham Community Hall |
I will continue to support protection of this important environmental area and other adjacent areas while also emphasizing that current residents should continue to be able to live there and use the land, as appropriate.
Federal Transport Minister David Collenette, Councillor David Pickles, MP Dan McTeague at the Green Space announcement. |
In October 2004, the Pickering Airport Site Zoning Regulations (PASZR) were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II. Currently, Public Works & Government Services Canada is updating the mapping and the schedule of lands, which when complete will be incorporated into the printed PASZR book. The PASZR were deposited in the local Land Registry Offices in 2005.
The PASZR limits the height of buildings and protect against bird hazards and electronic interference around the federal lands. In protecting against bird hazards, these regulations will prohibit various land uses from locating near the federal lands, including landfills.
Existing uses, however, will continue to be permitted.
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