Battling Airport Expansion: Strategies For Community Action

The expansion of airports can be a controversial topic, with local residents often battling against the federal government to protect their homes, farmland and forests. In the case of the Pickering airport, a small group of local residents fought for five decades against the federal government's plans to expropriate land and build an international airport. Despite the government's aggressive efforts, the residents were ultimately successful in their fight, with the project being temporarily shelved in 1975 and finally put to rest last month.

Protecting farmland, forests and homes from being paved over

A small group of determined local residents in Ottawa fought for five decades against the building of an international airport in Pickering. They were fighting to protect farmland, forests and homes from being paved over. The project was temporarily shelved in 1975 after the province said it wouldn't provide infrastructure to the airport without a thorough needs assessment. The federal government had expropriated more than 7,527 hectares of land with plans to open an international airport by 1979 to serve the growing population of the GTA and anticipated increased demand for air travel. During this time, many of those who had been living on the land in north Pickering in 1972 continued to do so, but as tenants of the federal government, essentially paying rent on the homes they once owned.

To protect farmland, forests and homes from being paved over, it is important to organise and mobilise local residents and community members, including local Indigenous partners. This could involve demonstrations, like the People or Planes protest against the Pickering Airport at Toronto City Hall in 1972. It is also important to engage with local and provincial governments, pushing for thorough needs assessments and highlighting the negative impacts of the airport on the community and environment. By combining grassroots organising with strategic engagement, it is possible to build a strong and effective movement to fight against unwanted development projects like airport expansions.

Fighting against the federal government's plans

The first step in fighting against the federal government's plans is to unite with other local residents who share your concerns. Strength in numbers is important when taking on a powerful entity like the federal government. Form a coalition of concerned citizens, and reach out to local community groups, environmental organisations, and other stakeholders who may be impacted by the airport expansion.

The next step is to gather as much information as possible about the federal government's plans. This includes obtaining copies of any feasibility studies, environmental impact assessments, and other relevant documents. Understanding the federal government's rationale and the potential impacts of the airport expansion will help you develop a strong counter-argument.

It is also crucial to engage with local politicians and decision-makers. Express your concerns and present your case against the airport expansion. Highlight the negative impacts on the local community, environment, and other relevant factors. It is important to remember that politicians are accountable to their constituents, so make your voices heard through letters, emails, and public meetings.

Additionally, consider seeking legal advice and exploring potential avenues for challenging the federal government's plans. In the case of the Pickering airport, the project was temporarily shelved in 1975 after the province refused to provide infrastructure without a thorough needs assessment. There may be similar opportunities to stall or prevent the expansion by challenging the legal or procedural aspects of the federal government's plans.

Finally, utilise media and public relations strategies to gain wider support for your cause. Share your story with local and national media outlets, highlighting the human impact of the airport expansion. Use social media and other online platforms to spread awareness and engage a broader audience. By generating public support and sympathy, you can increase pressure on the federal government to reconsider their plans.

Consulting with community members and local Indigenous partners

During this time, many of those who had been living on the land in north Pickering continued to do so, but as tenants of the federal government, essentially paying rent on the homes they once owned. This caused feelings of uncertainty about the future among local residents, as every few years a project plan or feasibility study would be initiated by the federal government.

Despite the federal government's initial aggressive efforts, the residents persevered and eventually won their battle. One of the champions in the fight against the airport, O'Connell, emphasised the importance of consultations with community members and local Indigenous partners on the future uses of the land. She stated that "removing the constant threat of an airport on these lands has been the civic mission of a countless number of citizens in our community since the land was expropriated in 1972".

The success of this group demonstrates the power of community organising and the importance of consulting with local residents and Indigenous partners when fighting against airport expansion. By working together and persisting in the face of adversity, they were able to protect their homes, farmland, and forests from being paved over.

Demonstrating against the airport

If you want to fight a growing airport, one of the most effective ways is to demonstrate against it. This can involve organising protests, marches, and other public displays of opposition. It is important to get as many people involved as possible, as this will help to show the strength of feeling against the airport expansion.

When demonstrating, it is important to be peaceful and respectful. This will help to ensure that your message is taken seriously and that you do not alienate potential supporters. It is also important to be well-informed about the issues and to be able to clearly articulate your opposition to the airport.

One way to get your message across is to use creative and eye-catching visuals, such as signs, banners, and costumes. This will help to attract attention and make your protest more memorable. It is also a good idea to use social media and other online platforms to spread your message and gain support.

When organising a demonstration, it is important to plan carefully and to work with local authorities to ensure that your protest is safe and legal. This may involve obtaining permits, choosing an appropriate location, and following any other relevant regulations. By following these steps, you can effectively demonstrate against the airport and make your voice heard.

Renewing feelings of uncertainty about the future

The fight against a growing airport can be a long and challenging battle, as demonstrated by the decades-long struggle of local residents against the Pickering airport in Ottawa. The federal government's initial aggressive efforts to expropriate land and build an international airport sparked feelings of uncertainty and anxiety among local residents. Despite the odds, the residents persevered and eventually won their fight, showcasing the power of determination and community engagement.

One key strategy in fighting a growing airport is to focus on the potential negative impacts on the surrounding community. In the case of the Pickering airport, residents highlighted the threat to farmland, forests, and homes, which would be paved over to make way for the airport. By emphasising the loss of natural spaces and the disruption to local livelihoods, residents were able to garner support for their cause.

Another important aspect of the fight is to engage with community members and seek their input. In the Pickering airport battle, consultations with community members and local Indigenous partners were crucial in understanding the concerns and priorities of those who would be most affected by the airport's construction. By involving the community, residents were able to build a strong and united front against the airport's expansion.

Additionally, it is essential to remain vigilant and proactive in the face of changing circumstances. The Pickering airport project was temporarily shelved in 1975 due to the province's refusal to provide infrastructure without a thorough needs assessment. However, the federal government continued to initiate project plans and feasibility studies as air travel demand grew. Local residents had to remain engaged and vocal in their opposition to the airport, even as the project faced setbacks and delays.

The victory of the small group of determined local residents against the Pickering airport serves as a testament to the power of community activism and perseverance. By renewing feelings of uncertainty about the future and highlighting the potential negative impacts of airport expansion, residents were able to protect their homes and natural spaces. Their success demonstrates that even against seemingly impossible odds, a well-organised and dedicated community can make a difference and shape the future of their surroundings.

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