Focus On The Lands, 2019-2020
Number of Articles: 112
Pickering will be GTA Engine of Growth: MP O’Toole
Publication Date: August 6, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
Durham riding’s MP is up to bat for an airport: “But now as Pearson is getting close to its max out, and with the GTA growing in a major way in the last two decades, there is a need for a secondary, a smaller airport.” MP O’Toole says such an airport has huge potential. He must have missed the aerotropolis memo…Durham Post
We cannot continue to destroy forests and farmland
Publication Date: July 31, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports, Climate Change
(letter to the editor) Re “Embrace” letter: Writer cites the UN’s latest climate change report to counter pro-airport writer’s claims. durhamregion.com
Use innovation to improve life, not destroy our environment
Publication Date: July 29, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports, Environment
(letter to the editor) Re: “Embrace” letter: Let’s use innovative agriculture for the greater good, this writer urges, not innovation that just promotes commercialism and consumerism.durhamregion.com
Response to #PickeringProud
Publication Date: July 26, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports, Environment
A member of our youth wing contributes this satirical take on the City of Pickering's #PickeringProud campaign.Instagram
Letter writer’s airport story incomplete, says reader
Publication Date: July 25, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports, Food/Water/Agriculture, Historical
(letter to the editor) Re “Embrace” letter: Writer points out that progress can have very different meanings.durhamregion.com
Pickering’s a leader in community engagement
Publication Date: July 25, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
(op-ed) Pickering’s mayor says he believes in the importance of community engagement, and cites as an example the Toronto East Aerotropolis event. We were there. By no stretch of the imagination, sir, was that community engagement. durhamregion.com
Carbon-pollution mess the result of the internal combustion engine
Publication Date: July 24, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports, Climate Change
(letter to the editor) Re “Embrace” letter: Innovation doesn’t mean an airport. Think green energy development.durhamregion.com
Agriculture more beneficial than airport in Pickering
Publication Date: July 18, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports, Food/Water/Agriculture
(letter to the editor) Re “Embrace” letter: Paving over these valuable farmlands is unconscionable.durhamregion.com
Report: Priorities for Federal Investment, 2019
Publication Date: July 17, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports, Climate Change
Durham Region lists its top priorities for federal government funding. #1: Build Pickering Aerotropolis ... #4: Climate Adaptation and Mitigation. Hello??Region of Durham
Embrace the future wholeheartedly
Publication Date: July 5, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
(letter to the editor) We must embrace our (Pickering airport) future and not resist change, says this writer.durhamregion.com
Pickering, Durham Region want an airport
Publication Date: June 27, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
In his second guest column in the last two months, Pickering’s mayor repeats that we want an airport. (reader sign-in required)DurhamRegion.com
Town of Whitby declares climate change an emergency
Publication Date: June 26, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports, Climate Change
Last month (there was no media coverage), a strong majority of Whitby Council voted in support of Pickering airport (1 vote against). This month, the same Council is unanimously in favour of a motion declaring climate change an emergency! Durham Radio News
A Pickering airport is not progress in this resident’s mind
Publication Date: June 13, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
(letter to the editor) Pickering airport is not progress. (reader sign-in required)DurhamRegion.com
Potential development of Pickering Airport gets mixed reviews in Stouffville
Publication Date: June 13, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
Will Whitchurch-Stouffville’s council go the way of those in Durham? Mayor Iain Lovatt says: “I am still gathering relevant information and getting perspectives… A statement will be forthcoming.” (reader sign-in required)YorkRegion.com
Airport environmental threats outlined at Pickering meeting
Publication Date: June 5, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports, Climate Change, Environment, Food/Water/Agriculture
Good coverage of our heavily attended 2019 AGM: (reader sign-in required)DurhamRegion.com
Politicians need to listen to what employers want
Publication Date: June 5, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
(letter to the editor) Durham politicians need to focus on what its employers need to fill current job openings, not on an airport and more industrial/commercial development. (reader sign-in required)DurhamRegion.com
Who are the naysayers?
Publication Date: June 1, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports, Climate Change, Food/Water/Agriculture
(letter to the editor) Writer challenges claims of May 30 letter-writer (see below: Durham residents cannot ignore…). (reader sign-in required)DurhamRegion.com
Key Pickering future projects outlined to developers and realtors
Publication Date: June 1, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
Pickering promotes its urban development ideas, including need for an airport, to 440 developers and realtors at the May 38 Realtor and Developer Symposium. (reader sign-in required)DurhamRegion.com
Durham residents cannot ignore the pace of progress
Publication Date: May 30, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
(letter to the editor) Writer argues that a Pickering airport is progress and naysayers are afraid of change.
(reader sign-in required)
DurhamRegion.com
Uxbridge should take time to consider what ‘aerotropolis’ means
Publication Date: May 30, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
(editorial) A clear look at pros and cons and the importance of considering the ramifications.Uxbridge Cosmos
Guest column: Kick-starting our stalled economic engine
Publication Date: May 25, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
York Region’s Chair plots Durham Region's future. And climate change isn't part of it. Toronto Sun
Don’t turn farmland into runways
Publication Date: May 23, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports, Food/Water/Agriculture
(letter to the editor) Writer responds to Durham Conservative MPPs’ letter to Transport Minister. (reader sign-in required)DurhamRegion.com
Durham Conservative MPPs call for decision on Pickering airport lands
Publication Date: May 22, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
Durham MPPs write to the federal Transport Minister to say it's time to make a decision on future use of the Federal Lands. (reader sign-in required)DurhamRegion.com
North Durham regional councillors vote “yes” on Pickering airport motion
Publication Date: May 16, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
All regional councillors from north Durham voted in favour of the Pickering airport motion.The Standard
Region seeks input on climate change
Publication Date: May 14, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports, Climate Change, Environment, Food/Water/Agriculture, RNUP
We have some suggestions! And we will be submitting them.Oshawa Express
Pickering Airport question looms
Publication Date: May 9, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
Article examines the proposed future Pickering airport situation. Oshawa Express
Too many lies perpetuated about Pickering airport
Publication Date: May 9, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
(letter to the editor) Writer refutes the City of Pickering's recent spate of false or misleading statements about the Federal Lands. (reader sign-in required)DurhamRegion.com
Durham Chair pushes for Pickering airport
Publication Date: May 5, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
Chair John Henry claims: “It’s Durham [sic] time and now it’s your time to reap the rewards.” (reader sign-in required)DurhamRegion.com
Region wants decision on Pickering airport
Publication Date: May 1, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
Article on Durham Region's recent pro-Pickering airport resolution.Oshawa Express
Count on Pearson: GTAA Annual Report 2019
Publication Date: May 1, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
In their latest annual report, Pearson airport remains confident that no new airport will be needed in the foreseeable future to handle Toronto's forecasted air traffic growth. "Pickering" was last mentioned in the GTAA's 2006 annual report. Ground access is a looming bottleneck, though, so the GTAA is intent on building "Union Station West" so that people will be able to access the airport by bus, train, or mass transit, thereby reducing the road and parking congestion. Ontario's latest Toronto transit expansion plan includes eventual extension of the Eglinton crosstown line to Pearson airport. And GTAA has not been shy to mention "climate change."GTAA
Building the Pickering airport makes no sense
Publication Date: April 27, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
(letters to the editor) Writers respond to the Great Debate article. All the letters published – but some unfortunately truncated in the online edition – argue against the airport. (paywall)Toronto Star
More airport recommendations as Pickering awaits a decision
Publication Date: April 25, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
(Part 9) Dr Polonsky, who was Independent Advisor to the Transport Minister and wrote the report "Jets & Jobs," expresses his views on Pickering airport in the last of his series of articles. (reader sign-in required)DurhamRegion.com
The case for a Pickering airport is a losing battle
Publication Date: April 25, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
(letter to the editor) Toronto Star is starting to print Pickering airport letters. (reader sign-in required)thestar.com
What kind of city do Pickering residents want?
Publication Date: April 25, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
Our mayor's opinion on having a Pickering airport – without actually mentioning a Pickering airport. Wonder why? (reader sign-in required)DurhamRegion.com
Big Debate: Should Pickering airport be built? Yes
Publication Date: April 23, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
John Kasarda makes The Big Debate's case for YES. (paywall)Toronto Star
Big Debate: Should Pickering airport be built? No
Publication Date: April 23, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports, Climate Change, Environment, Food/Water/Agriculture
Paris Marx makes The Big Debate's case for NO. (paywall)Toronto Star
If a Pickering airport is approved, here’s what should be done
Publication Date: April 18, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
(Part 8) Dr Polonsky, who was Independent Advisor to the Transport Minister and wrote the report "Jets & Jobs," expresses his views on Pickering airport in this series of articles. (reader sign-in required)DurhamRegion.com
Catalyst or calamity? Pickering still divided over airport after nearly 50 years
Publication Date: April 13, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
Follow-up article after last week's Toronto East Aerotropolis event.Toronto Sun
Pickering airport recommendations – follow the math
Publication Date: April 11, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
(Part 7) Dr Polonsky, who was Independent Advisor to the Transport Minister and wrote the report "Jets & Jobs," expresses his views on Pickering airport in this series of articles. (reader sign-in required)DurhamRegion.com
Major airport hub in Pickering will boost future economy, experts say
Publication Date: April 10, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports, Food/Water/Agriculture
Airport and urban experts at a "Toronto East Aerotropolis" event predict that a Pickering airport will create “hundreds of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity.” Golly! Main speaker John Kasarda (Mr Aerotropolis) takes issue with our argument that an airport would remove needed agricultural land. He claims that cropland is increasing in southern Ontario and Durham Region. “Cropland is going up dramatically in Canada. It’s not disappearing, these are the facts.” No, those are alternative facts. (reader sign-in required)
A Pickering airport will be a multibillion-dollar white elephant
Publication Date: April 10, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
(letter to the editor) A writer with detailed knowledge of Pearson and the aviation sector explains why Pickering would never fly. (reader sign-in required)DurhamRegion.com
Impassioned debate on both pro- and anti-airport sides
Publication Date: April 6, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
(Part 6) Dr Polonsky, who was Independent Advisor to the Transport Minister and wrote the report "Jets & Jobs," expresses his views on Pickering airport in this series of articles. (reader sign-in required)DurhamRegion.com
What’s so “special” about protecting prime farmlands and watersheds?
Publication Date: April 5, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
(letter to the editor) The writer calls out Pickering's mayor on his references to us a as "special interest group” and reminds him that those who have a vision other than an airport for the Lands are his constituents too. “It’s time to ask, who does the City of Pickering really serve?” (reader sign-in required)DurhamRegion.com
Market gardens or Mississauga?
Publication Date: April 4, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports, Food/Water/Agriculture
(letter to the editor) The writer says Pickering doesn’t need to emulate Mississauga, and explains why. (reader sign-in required)DurhamRegion.com
Our legacy cannot be a new airport (op-ed)
Publication Date: April 2, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports, Climate Change
Columnist points to local politicians’ bad decisions (including pushing for an “aerotropolis” as our climate changes. (reader sign-in required)DurhamRegion.com
We don’t need an airport in Pickering
Publication Date: March 29, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports, Environment
(letter to the editor) The writer reminds readers that the Pickering lands are good for the environment and paving them over is a one-way street. (reader sign-in required)
Airport interviewees give mixed reviews to possible Pickering airport
Publication Date: March 27, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
(Part 5) Dr Polonsky, who was Independent Advisor to the Transport Minister and wrote the report "Jets & Jobs," expresses his views on Pickering airport in this series of articles. (reader sign-in required)DurhamRegion.com
Ajax, Pickering mayors both support an airport
Publication Date: March 26, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
Pickering's mayor takes on the opposition: “Even though the airport would be a huge economic boon for Canada, the decision-makers are wary of the perceived opposition. To our detriment, a special interest group has dictated the narrative. And they have been able to do so, because those that support the airport have been mainly silent for all of these years. …And if there’s only one voice being heard on the matter, then that particular position gets taken for fact over time. Friends, it’s time for us to take a stand. We need to be heard on this absolutely most important matter. Sitting on the sidelines just won’t get the job done.” (reader sign-in required) DurhamRegion.com
Durham: an ideal place to live, work, innovate and invest (op-ed)
Publication Date: March 21, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
Durham’s chair writes about the region’s competitive edge. “If we had an airport in Pickering, we could attract employment clusters focused on innovation, intelligent technology, research/development and international trade. We could create 20,000 jobs.” (reader sign-in required) DurhamRegion.com
Durham: an ideal place to live, work, innovate and invest
Publication Date: March 21, 2019
Tags: Aviation/Airports
Regional Chair John Henry writes about the area's competitive edge. All that’s missing is an airport. “We could create 20,000 jobs.” (reader sign-in required)DurhamRegion.com