After more than five decades of debate and opposition, the federal government has officially cancelled plans to build an airport in Pickering, a decision welcomed by community members and long-time activists.
The announcement was made in January 2025, ending a project that dated back to 1972, when Ottawa expropriated approximately 7,500 hectares of land for a future airport. For years, residents, farmers, and environmental advocates fought the proposal, arguing it would damage farmland, communities, and ecosystems.
Grassroots groups such as People or Planes, later known as Land Over Landings, led sustained opposition through protests, campaigns, and advocacy efforts. Activists promoted alternative land uses including agriculture, agritourism, ecotourism, and trail networks.
Pickering-Uxbridge MP Jennifer O’Connell announced that the airport would no longer proceed and confirmed that most of the remaining 3,500 hectares of federally owned land will be transferred to Rouge National Urban Park. The announcement was met with applause from supporters who had fought the plan for generations.
The federal government has also confirmed it will conduct public consultations on the future use of land not included in the park transfer.
Photo Credits :Durham Region
