The Central Pickering…

The Central Pickering Development Plan has 50 years of Planning behind it, dating from shortly after the original expropriation for the airport and the accompanying community (Seaton).
The plan that took effect in 2006 was the product of a great deal of effort by many community groups and the planning staffs of Pickering and Durham.
As stated in the Proposal Details - Current Implementation Status "The Plan has been successful in achieving its objective in setting out and implementing the framework for the establishment of a sustainable urban community in Seaton integrated with an agricultural community in the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve".
Why then cancel the whole Plan?
The goals of the Plan include "The provision of a range of housing types and densities that meets the need of a diverse population" And "61,000 residents and 35,000 jobs by 2031". This is completely in line with Provincial housing objectives.
The proposal continues, under "Analysis of Regulatory Impact" "The proposed revocation of the Plan is intended to reduce regulatory burdens by removing an additional layer of policy direction for this geography (sic).

What burdens? The Plan is in place, is incorporated into the local and regional official plans, has the Master Environmental Servicing Plans and other planning instruments completed.

If the objective was to alter the Plan to change the land use on the agricultural areas to residential, this change could be accomplished. Why throw out not just the baby with the bathwater, but the Mother and the house too?

This is a destructive and ham handed approach, designed to accommodate the profit objectives of a single developer, the De Gasperis interests. It is a grotesque misuse of Provincial authority.

With the Planning framework removed, all guidance and certainty is lost, and with the additional elements of Bill 23, will create a free for all, with the interests of the Hamlets, the residents of Pickering, Markham, York Region and Durham Region at risk.

The Proposal details refer refer to the fact that "too many people are struggling with the rising cost of living and with finding housing that meets their family's needs."

Very true. There is an AFFORDABILITY crisis. Not a supply crisis, as the Province's Housing Affordability Taskforce Report outlines, where it is clearly stated there is enough land assigned for housing.

The Revocation of the Central Pickering Development Plan, and the cancellation of the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve and the removal of other areas from the Greenbelt are clumsy, counterproductive ham handed (and high handed) SHORT TERM actions that WILL NOT achieve the stated objectives.

These actions, and the Bills 23 and 39 are clearly part of an agenda which puts the interest of a handful of very rich and influential developers ahead of the interest of all other Ontarians.

Shameful behaviour.