Expanding Rouge to include the Pickering Lands would create a bigger, more resilient park—protecting habitat, Class 1 farmland & the more than 2,000 species that call Rouge home. There is already land elsewhere available for development. The Pickering Lands need to be saved for nature.

For 50+ years, the Pickering Lands were slated for an airport that was never built. In January 2025, the federal government promised to transfer the lands to Rouge National Urban Park. For those who fought for decades to protect them, it was an emotional moment. But the story isn’t over.

Canada’s first national urban park, Rouge, has a unique story that’s still being written. In the newest episode of The Clear Cut, we take you behind the scenes of the decades-long effort to protect the Rouge, working alongside farmers, local advocates & governments of every political stripe.

Wildlands would like to honour & acknowledge John Cutfeet, a friend & colleague who passed away this summer. John was a principled man who taught us about jurisdiction, language & the land in addition to being a fearless advocate for his people. We offer our deepest condolences to his loved ones.

Wildlands applauds the leadership of First Nations and the dedication of local advocates who have brought Ojibway National Urban Park closer to becoming Canada's second National Urban Park. Read more: buff.ly/c6V04yL

"It didn't make sense that we should have our government obsessed with a deposit that is so far away from roads, that he was willing to bring out a legislative bazooka to make sure it happens." The full conversation is available wherever you get your podcasts: buff.ly/w3I49jq

It's been over 500 days since Federal Liberals announced that the Pickering Lands would be transferred to Rouge National Urban Park. But now that promise is at risk. Sprawl advocates are pushing for development on the Transport Canada Pickering Lands.

“Get to know our communities… meet the people, see the land, see the animals.” @tanyatalaga.bsky.social’s message to PM Mark Carney: reconciliation can’t be sidelined as major projects move forward on Indigenous lands. At 8pm with @jeyantvo.bsky.social | Producer: @colinellis81.bsky.social

Are we being played? ⚾️ Here’s the next claim, pulled directly from the province’s Ring of Fire advertising: Developing the Ring of Fire will create 70,000 jobs.

Are we being played? ⚾️ With baseball season back, we’re continuing our series unpacking the claims behind Ontario’s Ring of Fire ads that flooded our screens during last year’s World Series run. So, will developing the Ring of Fire add $22 billion to our economy?

“This isn’t just a local issue,” says Anna Baggio. “It has broader climate and economic implications, especially when you consider the role of peatlands as a major carbon sink.” Read more here: buff.ly/bzc6dzu

Last year, the Pickering Lands were promised protection, but now developers & the City of Pickering are proposing more sprawl on these public lands. Meanwhile, the same MPs once praised for protecting them have gone quiet. 🤔 Don’t let them off the hook: buff.ly/p6sBwKo

The Clear Cut is back, and for the first time ever, FULL episodes are available on our YouTube channel! We’re kicking off Season 2 with a new series on the Ring of Fire, unpacking the politics and the big questions surrounding mining and critical minerals in Ontario. Watch here: buff.ly/NUafrlr

If you've heard the headlines but still find yourself wondering what the Ring of Fire actually is and why governments are pushing it so hard, you're not alone. We’re launching a new series on the Ring of Fire and episode 1 breaks down the basics. 🎧️: buff.ly/QbA7kE1

Carveouts for major resource projects from environmental laws are not in the national interest. But Canada just announced plans to "exempt" unspecified projects from reviews that aim to protect the environment and public health. Our thoughts: https://ow.ly/SnqJ50YWLVs

After a season break, The Clear Cut is back w/ a new story to unpack! Introducing our new mini-series: Playing with Fire! 🔥 This series takes a closer look at ON’s Ring of Fire & the growing questions surrounding mining, critical minerals, Indigenous rights & environmental protection. Stay tuned!

🌎 This #EarthDay, we’re standing up for more than just nature — we’re standing up for democracy. Your donation today fuels legal analysis, public campaigns, and the watchdog work that keeps Ontario’s nature — and democracy — alive. Every dollar helps. ❤️ Support this fight: donorbox.org/bill5

Last week, Anna Baggio sat down with CBC Up North host Jonathan Pinto to talk about a constitutional challenge to Ontario’s Special Economic Zones Act (SEZA). 🎧 Listen to the full conversation to learn what’s driving this legal challenge and what’s at stake: www.cbc.ca/listen/live-...

Despite promises to transfer the vast majority of the #PickeringLands to Rouge, development still threatens their future. Take 1 minute today & tell Ottawa: Expand #RougeNationalUrbanPark to fully include the Pickering Lands: buff.ly/hPgWaNF ⏳ Deadline: April 17

ICYMI: Wildlands has joined a legal challenge to Ontario’s Special Economic Zones Act—a deeply undemocratic law that could open the door to environmental harm, weakened oversight, reduced public participation, and corruption. 📹️ Watch Anna Baggio’s full remarks from last week's press conference.

As global shipping demand grows, so does the need for wood pallets. In this new video, Nicole explores the lifespan of pallets & hears insights from Jan Sumner on what this means for Canada’s forests. Watch the full video here: youtu.be/AkEQIWpfdFA?...

All About Wood Pallets: What Wood? Stamp Meanings, Nails and More!

The potential of pallets is vast, and we'd like to see it go further! Learn more about Jan Sumner and Wildlands League: https://wildlandsleague.org/ More information that was referenced in this…

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Under Ontario’s Special Economic Zones Act, the government can make decisions behind closed doors, hand-picking projects and overriding laws & protections. A coalition including Wildlands League is challenging these powers in court. More on the legal challenge here: www.thestar.com/politics/pro...

Wildlands League is part of a coalition taking legal action against ON’s Special Economic Zones Act, warning the law gives Cabinet sweeping powers to override protections & bypass ON’s democratic system.  Read the full press release here: wildlandsleague.org/news/seza/

Ontario’s Endangered Species Act is officially dead. The new Species Conservation Act is replacing it, but leaves many plants and animals — and their habitats — without protection. via @leahbortskuperman.bsky.social thenarwhal.ca/ontario-spec...

Ontario’s Endangered Species Act is dead | The Narwhal

Proposed under Bill 5, Ontario’s Species Conservation Act is officially in force, leaving many at-risk plants and animals, like redside dace and barn owls, unprotected

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Right now, the Government of Canada is seeking your feedback on the future of the Pickering Lands. Have your say by filling out the survey: www.surveymonkey.ca/r/3ZMLD6W

Will #OjibwayNationalUrbanPark be established in policy this year? The City of #Windsor supports Parks Canada’s proposal for a National Urban Park with a signed agreement in principle. Read more here: www.ctvnews.ca/windsor/arti...

Canada just announced a new Nature Strategy with $3.8B to protect nature and boost our economy 🌿💚 CPAWS will fight for stronger protections, more funding, and real results on the ground. Thank you to our Nature Champions for fighting for nature! cpaws.org/statement-cp...

A year ago, the federal government announced $36 million to establish a National Urban Park in Windsor. Since then, an election, shifting political priorities, and changes in leadership have slowed progress, and the park has yet to be officially proclaimed.

Nature funding is essential. Without sustained public investment, Canada risks falling behind on biodiversity targets, losing critical habitats, and missing out on the economic and community benefits that conservation delivers. Read more: thenarwhal.ca/canada-conse...

How can Canada meet its goals to protect nature? | The Narwhal

Canada will need to protect another 1.7 million square kilometres, an area the size of Alaska, to meet its conservation targets by 2030

thenarwhal.ca

A quarter century in conservation isn’t just about the victories, it’s about perseverance, learning, and growth.