The Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve (DRAP) in Pickering, is an integral part of Ontario’s Greenbelt. The DRAP, adjacent to the Rouge National Urban Park, protects precious prime agricultural lands and provides essential habitat for several species also found in Rouge Park, some already endangered. In addition, DRAP provides valuable and increasingly vital ecosystem services for neighbouring communities.  

This past May, Durham Region expanded its urban boundary by 9,071 acres which can accommodate enough growth out to 2051 without building housing on the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve (DRAP).

We ask ALL Ontarians, especially Durham Region residents, to sign this action letter and help protect the DRAP and Rouge National Urban Park.

#SaveTheDRAP #SaveRNUP

RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Video - Former Conservative MP Pauline Browes Speaks about the Duffins Rouge Agriculture Preserve

Op-Ed - Ottawa has an obligation to protect the Greenbelt, Toronto Star, David Crombie

Map - Ontario has designated more than enough land to build new homes without touching the Greenbelt

Report - Report of the Ontario Housing Affordability Task Force

Report - Species at risk in Duffins Rouge Ag Preserve

Report - Connectivity and Road Ecology of the Greater Rouge Watershed Featuring the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve

Council Motion - City of Toronto - "On March 29, Toronto City Council passed a motion saying the province’s move to allow housing on the DRAP lands threaten to destroy the natural and agricultural heritage system that governments have protected over the last 50 years."

Letter - Toronto and Region Conservation Authority responds to planned repeal of the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve Act, November 16, 2022