It started in 2015...


We are a group of Whitevale residents very concerned about the planned development of a parcel of land north of Whitevale, Ontario, and adjacent to the Seaton trail. It is a small parcel of land, formerly a quarry, with an interesting topography. It is immediately north of the historical hamlet of Whitevale, a little jewel of a hamlet with houses dating from the 19th century, lovingly preserved by local residents. The former quarry is slowly regenerating, with forested patches, meadows and marshes. In the lower area, there is a marsh that drains into pristine West Duffin (where salmon, rainbow and brown trout spawn, and dace is also found).

The province owns a large number of acreages in the area covered by the future Seaton development and has recently put them up for sale through Infrastructure Ontario. This parcel is part of Package 10.

It is not a big area, but it is significant because of the presence of the marsh and the proximity to the Seaton trail. But is has been overlooked in the haste of the province to sell, sell sell… People like us, who walk these trails all year long, and who see how important this site is for wildlife and for present and future residents, strongly feel that it should remain in public hands and become a park, with a trailhead to the Seaton trail.

The province has applied to the City of Pickering for the rezoning of this area and TRCA has made a number of comments underlining the numerous issues (drainage, impact on Natural Heritage Systems) that would arise if this area is developed.

We have made a well-received presentation to the City of Pickering to make them aware of this issue before they approve the rezoning. Seaton in a huge development and amenities of this kind will become scarce. Now we are trying to make presentations to the TRCA and meet with MPP Joe Dickson and Minister Tracy MacCharles and we find that no one in the Provincial Government wants to listen to us. Time is of the essence, because a developer might be interested in acquiring the site uniquely for dumping fill.


This is an area very popular with anglers and hikers in the GTA.
Such a small area, but so significant!
We ask the province of Ontario: 
why not keep it in public hands?

Why we are fighting to preserve an abandoned quarry:


On October 5, 2015, the City of Pickering Planning Department presented to council the draft plan for subdivision (City File SP2015-06) and proposed amendment of Zoning by-law 3037 (City File A11/15) requested by the Province, through Infrastructure Ontario. It involved the area of neighbourhood 18 that includes the former quarry and open spaces immediately north of Whitevale (see attached map)

  1. Our process

In early 2016, the Whitevale Nature Park and Wetland Committee was formed under the umbrella of the WDRA, with the objective of preserving as large a portion of the former quarry as possible, to create a Nature Park. After consultation with local residents and the Whitevale District Residents Association, City of Pickering planners, other experts in the field (urban planners, landscape architects, environmental experts), and municipal, as well as provincial and federal representatives, the committee sharpened its focus on preserving the lower area of the former quarry, occupied by marsh and wetlands and in very close proximity to the Seaton trail. This area is now a living ecosystem, with hills, meadows, and forests. Small ponds and marshes discharge into a creek that makes its way into West Duffins, a fresh watercourse well-known among fishermen for its pure and cold water, where trout and salmon spawn every year.

3.   Our proposal
We are proposing the creation of a small Nature Park that will include the wetlands and will offer a loop to the Seaton trail, a trail head with added parking to complement the community park parking lot, and a small wooded area planted with native species. It will be an opportunity for community involvement for both new and old residents. (see map2). However, our preferred alternative would be to stop the sale of this whole parcel of land and keep it in public hands to serve the community as a park and trailhead, as any development would require grading /changes in drainage that would destroy the wetlands.

4.   Our rationale
This natural park will have a positive impact on N18 and all Seaton residents by:
  • Protecting sensitive habitat and wetlands 
  • Improving access to the Seaton trail network and the Duffins Creek watershed 
  • Enhancing future residential community with naturalized areas & green space
  • Engaging new and old citizens in environmental restoration and stewardship.

5.   Whitevale Park By the Numbers

  • 576.5 hectares in Neighbourhood 18 (18,000 residents)
  • 15.26 hectares /37.5 acres in proposed plan of subdivision (174 units)
  •  3.5 - 4.0 acres (est.) approximately 10% to be preserved for natural park and wetland (alternatively a 15 hectares/37 acres park if the whole area is protected)
  • 26 out of 174 units will have to be removed from planned subdivision for the new park 

6. What we request from the City of Pickering

 To direct the city planners to recommend modifying the application of Infrastructure Ontario to allow for the preservation of this natural area and its wetlands.  

7. What we request from the Provincial government

To keep these lands in public hands for the benefit of GTA residents and for the environment.






Location: Whitevale, Pickering, ON L0H, Canada

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