Successful activists inspire Pickering airport opponents

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Published on Thursday, 24 October 2013 14:02

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Land Over Landings working to broaden support

PICKERING -- Carl Cosack knows what it's like to be David fighting Goliath. And he knows what it's like to win.

He recently headed up a citizens’ coalition that successfully stopped a massive limestone quarry from being built on prime farmland in Melancthon Township.

"We were very fortunate to be able to change the conversation ... instead of fighting against something, we were fighting for something," says Mr. Cosack, chairman of the North Dufferin Agricultural and Community Taskforce.

On Oct. 22, he brought that success story to the Claremont Community Centre for an event hosted by Land over Landings, a group opposed to plans for an airport in Pickering.

More than 150 people showed up, eager to hear how a tiny township took on a big corporation.

Mr. Cosack's advice? Come armed with solutions, not complaints. And make the goal something everyone can get on board with.

"In this case, your ask is very simple -- take class 1 farmland off the table for development of any kind," he said. "It costs the government nothing and it will strengthen the community. It's a win-win."
 Land Over Landings has reignited a four-decade struggle after a June 11 announcement that saw the federal government renew its commitment to build a new international airport in Pickering.

The group's argument focuses on the need to protect prime farmland.

Members envision the federal lands being declared an agricultural and natural heritage preserve, a source of everything from meat and vegetables, to field crops and wool.

The last few months have seen Land Over Landings put out a call for volunteers, host community information meetings and take politicians and supporters on a bus tour of the lands.

"So far we have tremendous support from a number of groups, our next step is to keep building that momentum," says chairwoman Mary Delaney. "We need people to know this is not just a local issue .. .we want to garner support from all over and from all levels of government."

Shirley Boxem, vice-chairwoman of NDACT, said it will take time for Land Over Landings to take root with its new look and feel, but believes the group can "absolutely" achieve the same results that quarry opponents did.

"I had members of my own family tell me I was wasting my time, that money always trumps community interests," she said. "But slowly we got that support. I would drive down the same old street and suddenly see a new person had a lawn sign. That can happen here too."

Land Over Landings still needs donations and volunteers, in particular a volunteer co-ordinator.

For more information, visit www.landoverlandings.com.

By Jillian Follert

Published on the Durham Region website, Oct.24, 2013