Platform – Part 2:Airport lands, agriculture & economic development
In the second week of his platform rollout, Michael Samlalsingh turns to one of Pickering’s longest-running questions: what to do with the federal Airport Lands. His answer is that they should not be treated as a single development site. Some areas would be protected for farming, conservation and an expanded Rouge National Urban Park, while others would be opened to employment uses that create Canadian jobs. He also sets out conditions for any data centre proposal and argues that Ottawa, which has owned the lands for more than 50 years, should help pay for the infrastructure needed to unlock them.
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WEEK 2: AIRPORT LANDS, AGRICULTURE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
A Different Approach to the Airport Lands
The Pickering Airport Lands represent a significant opportunity, but Michael believes they should not be treated as one large development site.
Some areas should be protected for agriculture, environmental conservation and the expansion of Rouge National Urban Park.
Other appropriate areas could support economic uses such as:
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Aerospace
- Advanced manufacturing
- Green technology
- Technology and innovation
- Other employment uses that create Canadian jobs
The objective should be to find the right balance between protecting important land and creating economic opportunities.
What About Data Centres?
Michael’s position is that data centres should be considered as part of the broader Airport Lands strategy, rather than automatically approved as a major land-use direction.
If a data centre is proposed, clear regulations and conditions should be established before development takes place.
Those considerations should include:
- Electricity and water requirements
- Environmental impacts
- Infrastructure requirements
- Use of green technology
- Economic benefits to Pickering
- Property-tax implications
- Number and quality of Canadian jobs
- Local training and skills development
- Long-term costs to taxpayers
Michael would also like to see opportunities for partnerships with institutions such as Ontario Tech University, connecting technology development, education and employment opportunities in Durham Region.
The goal should not be to attract a large number of facilities simply because the buildings represent investment.
The question should be: What is the long-term economic return for Pickering?
Federal Responsibility
The federal government has owned the Airport Lands for more than 50 years.
Michael believes the federal government should participate in creating and funding opportunities on these lands, including infrastructure, agriculture, innovation and economic development initiatives.
Pickering residents should not be expected to carry the full cost of infrastructure associated with unlocking federal lands that have been held for decades.
Federal participation could include infrastructure investment, economic development programs and partnerships with Canadian businesses and educational institutions.
