It started in 2015...

 During the December 15 meeting of the City of Pickering Council, a motion proposed by councillor Pickles and seconded by councillor Butt was unanimously approved. It is now up to the Province to work with the city of Pickering and its community to protect this precious natural enclave. See the excerpt below:

"13.6 Seaton Trail

Moved By Councillor Pickles

Seconded By Councillor Butt

Whereas, the Seaton Trail is an important recreational and natural asset for the Hamlet of Whitevale, and residents of Pickering, Durham as well as used by people from across the Greater Toronto Area;

And Whereas, the Region of Durham recognizes the Seaton Trail as part of its Activity Trail Network with the future connection to the Rouge Park and the City of Pickering recognizes the Seaton Trail in its City of Pickering Recreation & Parks Ten Year Plan (2024) noting the growing popularity and use of trails and highly desirable amenity as a valued community asset and destination;

And Whereas, there has been a recent closure of the Seaton Trail between the Green River Trail Head (Highway 7) and the Whitevale Bridge (Whitevale Road);

And Whereas, recently, Province of Ontario signage has been erected that indicates "Trail Closed" for this northern portion of the trail but there has been no information on this for area residents;

And Whereas, the Ministry of Infrastructure has indicated that the north section of the Seaton Trail is in need of significant repairs, including work on 11 small foot bridges and associated stairs. The timeline for repairs has yet to be determined. The situation will be reassessed in the spring to explore potential funding availability for repairs, design, project management fees and contingencies, etc. In the meantime, signage remains in place to discourage public use of the trail due to its current condition;

And Whereas, immediately north of Whitevale, there are lands recognized by Pickering Council and members of the community as a regenerating pit/marsh area, through which informal trails have provided access to much needed nature and green space;

And Whereas, these lands are suitably located to provide a Seaton Trail Head with ample parking, and connections to the Rouge National Urban Park;

And Whereas, despite these attributes, Infrastructure Ontario has designated these lands Low Density Residential as part of Bundle Ten of a real estate offering;

And Whereas, on three separate occasions, being July 19, 2021, May 16, 2022 (as per Pickering Council Resolution #886/22) and September 16, 2024, the Mayor of Pickering of the day wrote the (then) appropriate Provincial Minister of Infrastructure requesting the lands be redesignated to either Hamlet Heritage Open Space or Seaton Natural Heritage System;

And Whereas, there is a synergy in maintaining a functional Seaton Trail north of the Hamlet of Whitevale and the creation of a Trail Head and parking facility at the regenerating marsh/pit area north of Whitevale:

Now therefore be it resolved that the Council of The Corporation of the City of Pickering directs through the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer:

1. That staff request the Minister of Infrastructure, as owners of the land, to undertake and provide the necessary funding, as soon as possible in the spring of 2026, to make the necessary repairs to re-open the Seaton Trail between the Hamlet of Whitevale Bridge and the Green River Trail Head to the public;

2. That staff request a meeting with Infrastructure Ontario to explore long-term, sustainable funding and stewardship in collaboration with organizational partners, the Rouge National Park, and representatives from Infrastructure Ontario, the Region of Durham, and the City of Pickering;

3. That staff request the Minister of Infrastructure eliminate Bundle 10 from the Provincial sales offerings and in consultation with the City of Pickering and Hamlet of Whitevale community, create a Trail Head and parking facility at the regenerating marsh/pit area north of Whitevale;

4. That staff request the Minister of Infrastructure, in consultation with the City, the Region of Durham, the Federal Government, the Rouge National Urban Park, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, the Whitevale District Residents Association, volunteer and civic organizations supporting the trail network and nearby residents, to explore options for more permanent improvements to the Seaton Trail as well as continue to provide maintenance and stewardship of the Seaton Trail; and,

5. That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Jaunita Nathan, MP Pickering- Brooklin, The Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP Pickering-Uxbridge, The Honourable Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure, the Region of Durham, The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature, the Rouge National Urban Park (Parks Canada), and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority."