Pickering Lands

On January 27, 2025, the Government of Canada announced that the Pickering Lands will not be used for a future airport site. The Government of Canada intends to transfer the high conservation value lands to Parks Canada to expand Rouge National Urban Park.

As custodian of the Pickering Lands, Transport Canada will be leading consultation and engagement activities. Consultation with First Nations and a formal public consultation is critical to determining the path forward.

Please visit Transport Canada’s Pickering Lands webpage for more information about the future uses of the Pickering Lands and the consultation and engagement activities.

History of the Pickering Lands

In 1972, the Government of Canada acquired 75 km² (18,600 acres) of land, now known as the Pickering Lands, 56 kilometres northeast of downtown Toronto to develop a new airport.

In 1975, this plan was put on hold in favour of expanding existing airports. Properties on the Pickering Lands have been leased by the government to residential, farm and commercial tenants since then.

In 2015, the Government of Canada transferred administration of 19.1 km² (4,722 acres) of these lands to Parks Canada — the very first lands to make up Rouge National Urban Park. 

In 2017, the Government transferred administration of an additional 21.0 km² (5,200 acres) of these lands to Parks Canada for Rouge National Urban Park.

Learn more about key milestones that mark the establishment of Rouge National Urban Park.

About Rouge National Urban Park

Located in the Greater Toronto Area, Rouge National Urban Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America.

Established in 2015 and stretching from Lake Ontario to the Oak Ridges Moraine, the park currently spans nearly 80 km² and provides unprecedented opportunities for people to connect with nature, culture and agriculture.

Since the park’s establishment, Parks Canada has worked collaboratively with 10 First Nations on a number of important initiatives, including archaeological fieldwork, restoration projects and visitor experience initiatives.

As Canada’s first federally protected area with a focus on agriculture, Rouge National Urban Park is dedicated to preserving agricultural landscapes, upholding cultural legacies and supporting local farming.

Through its work in Rouge National Urban Park, Parks Canada protects nature and biodiversity in an urban centre. By protecting and restoring natural and working landscapes — like forests, ravines, rivers, ponds, wetlands, meadows and farms — Parks Canada conserves biodiversity, strengthens habitat connectivity and supports sustainable agriculture.

Rouge National Urban Park is home to Class 1 agricultural soils. This prime farmland bolsters the local economy, promotes environmental sustainability and provides a homegrown source of fresh food for residents of nearby urban centres.

As well, the protection of cultural heritage is one of Rouge National Urban Park’s objectives, and built heritage helps tell important stories within the wider interpretative framework of the national urban park. Parks Canada will continue to work with Indigenous peoples, farmers, environmental groups and stakeholders to achieve ecological gains in the park while also preserving the park’s incredible natural, cultural and agricultural heritage.

Learn more about Parks Canada’s commitment to agriculture in Rouge National Urban Park.