Focus On The Lands, 2019-2020
Number of Articles: 112
No government fix for people wanting refunds for cancelled flights
Publication Date: June 1, 2020
Tags: Aviation/Airports
Not, strictly speaking, a Focus on the Lands article, but we’ve included it here because it contains the following quote from Transport Minister Marc Garneau: "There’s no question, the airline industry, and I include the airports and NAV Can, which is our air traffic controller, have been disproportionately hit by this pandemic. In some cases their future is in jeopardy." This is why urging the building of a Pickering airport now – assuming the federal government ever approved such a thing – is “plane stupid.”Western Aviation News
We do not need another Mirabel: Pickering reader
Publication Date: May 29, 2020
Tags: Aviation/Airports, Food/Water/Agriculture
(letter to the editor) Writer responds to the May 23 letter (see “Time to build…”), pointing out that the Pickering Lands should be used to grow food, not used for an unneeded airport.durhamregion.com
Time to build Pickering airport
Publication Date: May 23, 2020
Tags: Aviation/Airports
(letter to the editor) A mind-twisting “build it now” argument, within the context of a deepening climate crisis, and a global pandemic that has brought global aviation to a virtual standstill, with no certain recovery timeline or pathway ahead.durhamregion.com
Pickering airport supporters say report confirms the need for facility
Publication Date: March 5, 2020
Tags: Aviation/Airports
The first part of Transport Canada’s KPMG Report is released. The local Pickering airport article keeps being updated and keeps changing its focus. After speaking with our Chair it reported that the airport wasn’t needed. Then, after speaking with local politicians, it reported that the airport would be needed by 2036. Where lies the truth? In the report, of course, which states this: “Although all four scenarios identify minor capacity deficits, these can be overcome with modest expansions in aircraft apron and air terminal facilities at the airports in the southern Ontario airport system. Therefore, a new airport is not expected to be required in southern Ontario prior to 2036 to meet the forecast demand. … anticipated increases in the capacity of the southern Ontario airport system are expected to be sufficient to handle projected traffic demand within the 20 year planning horizon of this study.” KPMG didn’t look beyond the period of the study, but the gap they cite between demand forecasts and airport capacity limits at the 2036 point show that no airport will be needed in any foreseeable future. durhamregion.com
KPMG report says no need for Pickering Airport before 2036
Publication Date: March 5, 2020
Tags: Aviation/Airports
Other media coverage of the release of the KPMG study.oshawaexpress.ca
No need for an airport in Pickering for at least 18 years: report
Publication Date: March 5, 2020
Tags: Aviation/Airports
More media coverage on the release of the KPMG study.Durhamregionnews.com
Court rules Heathrow expansion plan illegal over climate impact
Publication Date: February 27, 2020
Tags: Aviation/Airports, Climate Change
In a complex court decision, Heathrow airport expansion has hit a legal snag, which could well have an impact on all future infrastructure proposals, including those for airports (e.g., Pickering). The UK Court of Appeal used a technicality to rule against Heathrow's expansion – the Department for Transport's "Airports National Policy Statement", which included Heathrow's expansion, failed to take into account climate change commitments made by the UK when it signed up to the Paris Agreement in 2015. The UK government declined to appeal, but Heathrow has appealed the decision to the Supreme Court. Whatever happens, this ruling has set a worldwide precedent and other challenges to other infrastructure projects are now being considered.E&T: Engineering and Technology
‘Make life better for Durham residents’: John Henry boasts about Durham in annual address
Publication Date: February 21, 2020
Tags: Aviation/Airports, Climate Change, Food/Water/Agriculture
Our Regional Chair continues to promote Pickering airport as the way to a better life, just days after presiding over council’s climate emergency declaration. He’s still pushing a “carbon-neutral airport” (something that doesn’t exist and can’t, while planes burn fossil fuel). He’s still pushing vertical agriculture although it isn’t competitive in this part of Ontario. He’s still pushing sustainable aviation, although no one knows what that could be. He’s still quoting job numbers for an airport that has never been approved and whose function, if ever approved, has not been determined. He says that “vertical and indoor farming are changing the agriculture sector” – which isn’t really true.durhamregion.com
Residents call for Climate Action in Durham
Publication Date: February 6, 2020
Tags: Climate Change
More coverage of Durham Region's climate emergency declaration.durhamregion.com
Durham declares climate emergency
Publication Date: February 1, 2020
Tags: Aviation/Airports, Climate Change
Durham Region declares a climate emergency – almost unanimously. The declaration has solid, far-reaching objectives for lowing emissions, but do the politicians?durhamregion.com
Durham climate change emergency declaration passes!
Publication Date: January 29, 2020
Tags: Aviation/Airports, Climate Change
Our Youth Wing chair tells Regional Council prior to the vote that pushing for a new airport, as the Region is constantly doing, is “flat-out incompatible” with declaring a climate change emergency.landoverlandings.com
Toronto Buttonville Airport site going up for sale
Publication Date: January 29, 2020
Tags: Aviation/Airports
Cadillac Fairview has decided to concentrate on other ventures after endless wrangling and OMB hearings over its ambitious development plans for the airport site. Will some other developer have better luck? Or will Toronto Buttonville Municipal Airport carry on?renx.ca
Sometimes, I kind of wished I lived in Sudbury
Publication Date: January 28, 2020
Tags: Aviation/Airports
(letter to the editor) Our Chair responds to Steve May’s Jan. 24 article.Sudbury Star
No new airport in Pickering in a time of climate change
Publication Date: January 24, 2020
Tags: Aviation/Airports, Climate Change
The folly of building unneeded new airport infrastructure during a time of climate crisis is clearly presented here by columnist Steve May.Sudbury Star
New year sparks renewed interest in Pickering airport
Publication Date: January 14, 2020
Tags: Aviation/Airports
A well-reported article on the history and current status of the Pickering airport idea. Oshawa Express
Will there ever be a Pickering airport?
Publication Date: January 9, 2020
Tags: Aviation/Airports
A blogger for COPA, Canada's general aviation lobby group, suggests that local politicians promoting Pickering airport could learn from the lessons of Mirabel airport.COPA
FACT CHECK!
Publication Date: January 7, 2020
Tags: Aviation/Airports
Our alert to the public to beware of articles such as those recently posted to the Narcity site. Land Over Landings
The “new” Pickering airport has actually been in the works for half a century
Publication Date: January 4, 2020
Tags: Aviation/Airports
A different contributor's article, mildly correcting bits of the Jan. 3 piece. It's really not clear what this writer is trying to get across. narcity.com
After decades in limbo, 2020 could be a critical year for the Pickering Airport
Publication Date: January 3, 2020
Tags: Aviation/Airports
Local politicians continue to promote Pickering airport. Our Regional Chair continues to cite 150,000 jobs but offers no supporting facts. "We have a tremendous opportunity here to do something that really has never been done before," he says. He misrepresents the findings of the 2010 Needs Assessment Report. Our own Chair is also interviewed, and calls out the greenwashing (and worse) that our local politicians are indulging in.cbc.ca
The GTA could actually be getting a massive new airport to rival Pearson
Publication Date: January 3, 2020
Tags: Aviation/Airports
An article that’s a tad skimpy on original reporting and on fact-checking. It starts: "It was announced on Friday...” The truth (confirmed by Ottawa): Nothing about Pickering airport was announced last Friday. Narcity appears to be a platform for anyone who wants to submit anything. No mediation of content, no requirement to cite sources Beware fake news.narcity.com
2020 will deliver promise, progress and excitement to Pickering
Publication Date: January 1, 2020
Tags: Aviation/Airports
Mayor Ryan is first out of the 2020 gate. Durham's politicians are eternal optimists about Pickering airport.durhamregion.com
Pickering airport debate could come to a head in 2020
Publication Date: December 30, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
Mayor Ryan ends 2019 with his New Year’s wish list, with Pickering airport at the top. He says the Minister of Transport has sent him a letter saying that the latest study report on the matter is being analyzed by Transport Canada. What letter might that be? When was it received? Facts, please.durhamregion.com
Pickering airport debate could come to a head in 2020
Publication Date: December 30, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
This article initially read: “Pickering Mayor Dave Ryan, who supports the airport’s construction, said he received a letter from Marc Garneau, the federal minister of transport, informing him the report was now in the hands of the Ontario Ministry of Transport and being analyzed." This prompted a lot of questions about Ontario's involvement in the Pickering airport decision. The article now reads: "Pickering Mayor Dave Ryan, who supports the airport’s construction, said he received a letter from Marc Garneau, the federal minister of transport, informing him the report was now in the hands of the Transport Canada and being analyzed." There have been no new developments since Transport Canada received the final KPMG report last June.durhamregion.com
These are the job sectors that have a chance to flourish in Durham over the next 20 years
Publication Date: December 27, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
In this "what if" peek into a future in which economic development experts who were interviewed for the article weren’t holding their breath for a Pickering airport, the Region’s chair, John Henry, shows himself undeterred by their practicality and still cites 150,000 new jobs ahead in a Region he calls “the next spot for the aerospace industry.”durhamregion.com
Support for Pickering airport not coming from residents
Publication Date: November 13, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
(letter to the editor) A Pickering airport is a priority only for developers and local politicians, not for Durham Region residents.durhamregion.com
New Pickering airport offers real estate investor a list of benefits
Publication Date: October 31, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
Article misrepresents the federal government’s intent in 1972, the provincial Places to Grow Act, the conclusions of the 2010 Needs Assessment Report, Mayor Ryan’s campaign platform, and Pearson’s growth ability, and treats approach paths over parkland as a benefit. Selling real estate: time to buy a house next door to a potential airport! GTA Homes: Realinsights
Pickering airport debate picks up speed following federal election
Publication Date: October 28, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
Airport debate continues but not sure if it’s picking up. It’s more like business as usual.durhamregion.com
Analysis: Is support building for an airport in north Pickering?
Publication Date: October 26, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
New reporter on the beat says he feels support shifting towards a Pickering airport. He cites the actions and words of municipal politicians for his claim but no stats showing what the majority of the public thinks, and the material he quotes from our website doesn’t support his conclusions. However, Mayor Ryan must be pleased.durhamregion.com
Pickering airport would impact, even end, outdoor film projects
Publication Date: October 25, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
(letter to the editor) A Pickering airport would destroy the lucrative television and film shoots that depend on unique, picturesque – and quiet – rural locations in north Pickering/Uxbridge and provide revenue now.durhamregion.com
I’ll keep working hard for this community: O’Connell wins second term
Publication Date: October 22, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports, Climate Change
Our re-elected MP discusses Pickering airport: “If there is a serious conversation about an airport it would be pretty hard to have that conversation and not look at it through a climate lens,” she said, “[…] but it’s too early to speculate in terms of what the next steps would be.”durhamregion.com
A Pickering airport doesn’t make sense
Publication Date: October 19, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports, Climate Change
(letter to the editor) Re "Now's the time" op-ed: Writer delivers a reality check: “The world is in survivor mode.”thestar.com
An airport is the wrong idea for the eastern suburbs
Publication Date: October 17, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports, Climate Change, Environment, Food/Water/Agriculture
(letter to the editor) Re “Eastern suburbs” letter: Writer details why the eastern suburbs deserve something better than an airport. thestar.com
Eastern suburbs deserve their own airport
Publication Date: October 16, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
(letter to the editor) "Geriatric old hippies" are apparently keeping the deserving from a Pickering airport!thestar.com
Now’s the time for new GTA airport
Publication Date: October 11, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
The development industry supports Pickering airport. No surprise; they also sponsored the speakers at the East GTA Economic Engine event in April. Many of the Toronto Star's local weekly newspapers carry the same article the following week and it also runs in the Toronto Sun. A concerted marketing effort.thestar.com
The need is now for Pickering airport, delegation tells executive committee
Publication Date: October 9, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
A pro-airport group presents its views to Pickering Council.durhamregion.com
Seaton community begins to take shape in north Pickering
Publication Date: October 7, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
Pickering’s mayor promotes Seaton and a new airport. However, a new Seaton resident says, “I hope there is no airport. I seriously hope there is no airport, [...] I just don’t want something like that so close to me. I like the quietness.”durhamregion.com
Candidates weigh in on Pickering airport at forum
Publication Date: October 1, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
Comments by local federal candidates about Pickering airport at Board of Trade forum.durhamregion.com
A lot can change in 20 years
Publication Date: September 26, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports, Climate Change
(letter to the editor) The writer wonders how future generations will view an airport built on prime agricultural land, and urges serious thought about the implications of today’s lifestyle.durhamregion.com
Is climate change an emergency? The Town of Ajax says yes
Publication Date: September 18, 2019
Tags: Climate Change
Town of Ajax Council unanimously votes to declare a climate emergency. Earlier this year, the same council voted to support building Pickering airport.durhamregion.com
Stouffville council, MP, speak out against development of Pickering Airport
Publication Date: September 9, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
Local news coverage of Stouffville's decision to oppose development of Pickering airport.YorkRegion.com
Airport noise will negatively impact people across Durham Region
Publication Date: August 29, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports, Climate Change, Environment
(op-ed) “We are not living in the 1950s or 1960s environment anymore, and it is about time the politicians realized that we are in 2019 high pollution levels!”durhamregion.com
East of Toronto, a land dispute tests Trudeau’s commitment to sustainability
Publication Date: August 27, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports, Climate Change, Environment, Food/Water/Agriculture, Historical, RNUP
First in a series of investigative articles related to the Pickering airport "file."Canada’s National Observer
Whitchurch-Stouffville passes motion
Publication Date: August 27, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
Whitchurch-Stouffville Council has voted to oppose a proposed Pickering airport.Twitter
Whitchurch-Stouffville Council Agenda, August 27, 2019
Publication Date: August 27, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
Includes Staff report, Item 4 under 14, Consent Agenda: Report No. DS-037-19 Pickering Airport Update (D26).Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville
Whitchurch-Stouffville Council motion on Pickering airport
Publication Date: August 27, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
Argument includes aircraft noise disrupting and diminishing the quality of life of Stouffville residents, and states that one of the most important duties of Council is to protect the quality of life of the community.Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville
Analysis: Durham lays out its priorities to the feds
Publication Date: August 27, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
The reporter observes that, formerly, no politician in the region would have backed an airport. Now it’s #1 on the list.durhamregion.com
Why I support an aerotropolis
Publication Date: August 22, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports, Food/Water/Agriculture
Next to the plate is Ajax’s mayor, Shaun Collier. He’s all for stacked greenhouses too, along with “a vast range of companies across multiple industries" and imagines endless possibilities. He doesn’t mention climate change. durhamregion.com
Many people detest change but it’s coming
Publication Date: August 15, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
(letter to the editor) The “Embrace” letter-writer is back, exhorting readers to “get ready for the eventual construction of a Pickering Airport.” durhamregion.com
Propelling Canada’s next economic engine
Publication Date: August 15, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports, Climate Change, Environment, Food/Water/Agriculture
(op-ed) Regional chair John Henry thinks that “a modern airport would also allow us to showcase one of our biggest economic drivers: agriculture.” He imagines a food hub fuelled by vertical farming. He clearly hasn’t done his homework. He also takes our climate change research centre idea and turns it on its head by making it part of an aerotropolis vision! durhamregion.com
Pickering airport’s heat island advantage
Publication Date: August 8, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports, Climate Change, Food/Water/Agriculture
(op-ed) Writer claims that the nearby national park would cool a Pickering airport, and only the crops on farmland surrounding the airport would be a problem, “since the type of crop and ground cover will have a large impact on local temperatures.” Seriously... The online comments below the op-ed are scathing.durhamregion.com