From: James Blair <jimmyblair@hotmail.com>
Sent: Friday, April 17, 2026 8:47 PM
To: Pickering@tc.gc.ca <Pickering@tc.gc.ca>; juanita.nathan@parl.gc.ca <juanita.nathan@parl.gc.ca>
Subject: Subject: Consultation – Future uses of the Pickering Lands Protecting North Pickering Federal Lands for Agriculture and Food Security

 

Re: Consultation – Future uses of the Pickering Lands / Protecting North Pickering Federal Lands for Agriculture and Food Security

 

Dear North Pickering Federal Lands Committee.

 

I am writing to express strong support for the permanent protection of the federally owned lands in North Pickering and to urge the Government of Canada to ensure these lands remain dedicated to agriculture as a cornerstone of Canada’s long-term food security.

 

The federal government’s January 2025 decision to cancel plans for a Pickering airport marked an important and forward-looking shift in policy. By moving to protect over 8,700 acres of land—containing approximately 6,700 acres of rare Class 1 soil—the government has acknowledged the exceptional agricultural and conservation value of these lands. Class 1 farmland represents the most productive soil in Canada, capable of supporting the growth of more than 200 types of crops. This is an irreplaceable national asset.

 

The intention to incorporate these lands into the Rouge National Urban Park and preserve them due to their “high conservation value” reflects a clear commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable land use. This direction should now be solidified through permanent agricultural protection and long-term planning that prioritizes food production.

 

These lands, originally expropriated in 1972, have long been the subject of uncertainty. The recent decision—supported by community organizations such as Land Over Landings—represents a critical opportunity to prevent the irreversible loss of prime farmland to urban expansion and infrastructure development.

 

This issue is especially urgent in the current global context. Canadian families are experiencing sustained increases in grocery costs driven by geopolitical conflict, rising oil prices, and ongoing supply chain disruptions. Canada’s continued reliance on imported food leaves us exposed to these external pressures, making food less affordable and less secure. A food system dependent on distant and often unstable supply chains is inherently vulnerable.

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Protecting domestic agricultural capacity is therefore essential. The North Pickering lands offer a rare opportunity to strengthen local and regional food systems at a time when resilience is more important than ever. Preserving this land ensures that future generations of Canadians have access to stable, locally produced food sources, helping to buffer against global volatility.

 

At the same time, how we accommodate growth must be reconsidered. Continued expansion into greenfield lands—particularly those with high agricultural value—is neither necessary nor sustainable. There is significant capacity within existing urban boundaries to support population growth through intensification and infill development. Prioritizing development in already serviced areas reduces infrastructure costs, limits environmental impacts, and safeguards vital farmland.

 

The federal government has made important commitments to climate action, sustainable agriculture, and strengthening local food systems. Protecting the North Pickering lands aligns directly with these priorities and demonstrates leadership in responsible land-use planning.

As Transport Canada engages with the public and stakeholders on the future of these lands, I respectfully urge the government to take the following actions:

• Permanently designate the North Pickering lands for agricultural use and conservation

• Recognize their strategic importance as a national food security asset

• Support policies that prioritize infill and urban intensification over greenfield expansion

• Ensure that future planning decisions reflect Canada’s commitment to resilient, local food systems

 

The lessons of recent years are clear: global instability has a direct and immediate impact on the cost of food at home. Protecting our most productive farmland is one of the most practical and necessary steps we can take to ensure long-term affordability, resilience, and food sovereignty.

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Once lost, Class 1 farmland cannot be replaced. The decisions made today will shape Canada’s food system for generations to come.

 

Thank you for your consideration.

Yours in good faith,

James Blair