Something is troubling about this land development…
TACC Developments has started work on land they purchased from a local farmer during COVID times — land that was part of the now-infamous Greenbelt scandal. This area, near Concession 3 and Whites Rd, is known habitat for wild turkeys and deer. Residents have recently witnessed heavy equipment activity, including digging and clearing, on this supposedly “environmentally sensitive” land.
A few months ago, they were destroying and burning trees, and now the construction activity has escalated. Wildlife is being pushed out of their natural habitat and forced into nearby communities like Westshore and Altona.
Residents previously requested street lights in the same area for safety, but were denied by the City because the land was deemed environmentally sensitive for wildlife. So why is TACC allowed to operate freely, with no clear explanation or oversight?
What kind of environmental study, if any, has been done before allowing this work to proceed? Why are the City and officials turning a blind eye?
Also worth questioning: the farmhouse at Whites Rd and Concession 3 is still owned by TACC, but being used by DARS. If this is a legitimate partnership, why hasn’t the ownership been officially transferred? What kind of backroom deal is going on here?
This lack of transparency and disregard for both the environment and public trust is problematic. Does the public not deserve answers?
_________________________Mike Borie
_________________________Mike Borie
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Response from Margaret Eskin, Director DARS
Dear Mr. Boire (sic),
In response to your email dated April 12, 2025 which I was forwarded, I feel compelled to respond to your comments regarding the property at 690 Third Concession Rd known as the DARS Farmhouse.
TACC and DARS have a ten year “As Is Where Is” lease agreement. TACC generously removed all rental payments as an “in kind gift” to DARS. I can assure you our partnership is legitimate and bound by contract. Ownership of the property is and will continue to be in the hands of TACC.
Unfortunately you must have missed our grand opening last October on World Homeless Day where these facts were made public. As a charitable organization transparency is key to our mission. I’ve attached the press release for your review. Maybe you’ll join us next year for our One Year Anniversary to be held again on World Homeless Day. I’m sure we will have lots more to share.
As a charity we appreciate the kindness TACC has extended and continues to offer. Without their support we could not provide such innovative housing at the farmhouse.
Perhaps if you have any further questions about the property or DARS you might consider reaching out to me directly to avoid spreading misinformation and false facts. I’d be happy to speak with you anytime.
Kind regards,
Margaret Eskins
Executive Director
Executive Director
DARS
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Response from Bryan Fairfield, MF Drainage
To Recipients of Mr. Borie email,
I would like to respond to an email sent to you by resident Mike Borie about current activities taking place on a piece of farmland in the City of Pickering at Whites Road and the Third Concession. The process and work you see taking place in the fields involves the installation of agricultural tile drainage by our company MF Farm Drainage Inc. Tile drainage is a BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICE used by farmers to maximize the efficiency of farmland to produce grains, thus providing food for human & livestock consumption. These operations are in full cooperation with the Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) with permits obtained where necessary for drainage outlets , while also abiding by all guidelines set out for any regulated wetlands and conservation easements. Any tree removal taking place on the property is happening as part of the removal of old fence lines process. Most of the trees in theses areas are dead/unhealthy and the balance are made up of invasive Buckthorns species. Fence line removal is a common agricultural practice done to improve the efficiency of farming operations. Once this work is done, crops will be planted on an annual basis and wildlife habitat will be therefore restored. I hope this explanation helps to highlight the transparency and accountability of these common agricultural practices now underway in this area of Pickering.
Regards,
Thanks, Bryan
MF Farm Drainage Inc.
Mobile: 705-879-9191
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