Yesterday, Nov. 28, Transport Canada quietly released Dr Gary Polonsky’s report , “Jets & Jobs”, on possible future uses of the remaining Federal Lands. In a document rife with predictions, assumptions, and plans, “climate change” isn’t mentioned once, although it formed a major part of our submission. What the report does do is briefly summarize what its author heard from five stakeholder groups – business, government, agriculture/conservation, aviation, First Nations – in interviews around a series of set questions that took for granted an eventual airport on the remaining Lands.
Farming / Farmland
OFA Releases New Mission: Farms and Food Forever!
Now, where were we before all that municipal business came up…? Oh yes, saving the best farmland in Canada from an unnecessary airport! We’re so please to see that the new mission of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture echoes our own longstanding message: “Farmland Forever! Airport Never!”. We look forward to continuing to work together with farmers to save Ontario’s best farmland.
Land Over Landings packs city council chambers!
RESULT!! The City of Pickering council chambers and lobby outside were overflowing last night as supporters of farmland came out in force to say No Airport. Over 30 delegations were heard. Over 100 people remained till well after midnight to hear Council make the right decision.
Toronto’s Accidental Breadbasket
Shawn Micallef hits all the points: the rich soil, the wealth in agriculture, the train line and proximity to Toronto, the under-used Hamilton airport, the passion and commitment of those who have been fighting for these Lands for over 40 years.
Our Latest Submission to Land Use Planning Review
October 31, 2016, marks the deadline for comments and submissions to the province’s Coordinated Land Use Planning Review. Land Over Landings recently submitted comments to Minister Mauro, Minister of Municipal Affairs for Ontario, on the Province’s proposed changes to the Land Use Plans.
MAJOR FARM GROUP BACKS OUR AGRICULTURAL STUDY
We’re more than pleased to be able to report that our planned study of the economic potential of agriculture on the remaining Federal Lands has received the backing of the Durham Region Federation of Agriculture (DRFA), representing some 1000+ farm families.