McGuinty Government Protecting Agricultural Land And Greenspace
For Immediate Release
May 4, 2006
TORONTO – The McGuinty government has completed a development plan for central Pickering that will result in a sustainable, transit-supportive community, Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister John Gerretsen announced today.
“We’re on the side of working families in the 905-area. That’s why we’re creating a new well-planned, livable community while protecting prime agricultural land and vital greenspace,” said Gerretsen. “This is part of our government’s broader effort to manage growth and development in a more intelligent and sustainable manner.”
To support the implementation of the development plan, the province will create a management plan for the area’s natural heritage system, undertake an economic development study for lands near Highway 407 and evaluate transportation and transit needs of Seaton and its neighbouring communities. Over the longer term, the province will also work together with affected municipalities to examine strategic infrastructure investments in support of provincial and local objectives.
“For over two years, the province has engaged in extensive public consultation and the final plan reflects this input,” said Gerretsen. “As we work towards building a sustainable community in Seaton, we will continue working with municipal and community stakeholders to make this plan a success.
“We are committed to setting the right course of action for a new community in Seaton,” said Pickering Mayor David Ryan. “We will work together with the province to ensure a great quality of life for Pickering residents.”
This plan is part of the government’s overall strategy to promote sustainable development in the 905-region. Other initiatives include:
- Developing a final growth plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe
- Preserving 1.8 million acres of green space by creating a Greenbelt across the Golden Horseshoe
- Introducing legislation to create the GTTA, which will make commuting easier for people in the GTA.
Developing a plan for a sustainable new community on the Seaton lands in central Pickering is part of the government’s broader land exchange initiative, which will protect important natural heritage sites. Through this initiative, the government has protected the Oak Ridges Moraine and is creating a natural park in Richmond Hill.
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Contacts:
Melanie Francis
Minister’s Office
(416) 585-6479
Bryan Kozman
North Pickering Land Exchange Team
(416) 585-6185