HomeMy WebLinkAbout616"Paperbound book, 21.5 x 28 cm, 54 pages, written by Robert G. Henderson, August 1973.
A study commissioned by the Inter-Church Regional Planning
Association (Toronto-Centred Region)
"
"A STUDY OF PATTERNS OF HUMAN SETTLEMENT IN PICKERING AND AJAX
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE OF THE STUDY PAGE #
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 1.
PART I. DEFINITION OF THE STUDY AREA 5.
PART 2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND PROVINCIAL INFLUENCES 7.
a) The Regional Context- Design for Development- 8.
The Toronto Centred Region Concept
b) The Parkway Belt 11.
c) The proposed Central York Servicing Scheme 13.
(i) sewage services 14.
(ii) water services 15.
d) The proposal for local Government reform east of Metro 17.
e) The establishment of the north Pickering 19.
Community
f) Conclusions 20.
PART 3. POPULATION AND LAND USE 22.
a) Population and housing 22.
b) Existing land use 25.
c) Future land use- areas 1,2,3 and 4 26.
d) Recreational facilities and programmes 30.
e) Schools and policy of community use 32.
f) Transportation
(1) Public Transit 34.
(2) The Road system 35.
g) Social organization and facilities 37
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"Page #
PART 4. INVENTORY OF CONGREGATIONS, CHURCH FACILITIES 39.
AND PROGRAMMES BY DENOMINATIONS
a) Anglican Churches 39.
b) Baptist Churches 41.
c) Church of Christ 44.
d) Evangelical Lutheran Church 44.
e) Pentecostal Churches 45.
f) Presbyterian Churches 45.
g) Roman Catholic Churches 47.
h) Salvation Army Hall 49.
k) United Churches 49.
PART 5. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE CHURCH 53.
PART 6. MAPS
Map 1 Pickering Township
1 (a) Existing Church Sites
1 (b) Anglican Churches
1 (c) Baptist Churches
1 (d) Presbyterian Churches
1 (e) Roman Catholic Churches
1 (f) United Churches
1 (g) Other denominations
1 (h) Census Tract Boundaries, 1971
Map 2 Pickering Township Special Areas
Map 3 Existing Land Use
Map 4 Future Land Use - Projections
Map 5 Regional Map
"
"LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 Population Projections: 1970 Ultimate Population
Ministry of the Environment
Table 2 Population and Housing, 19 71 Census Data
Table 3 Population Projections: 1971 - Ultimate capacity
(consultative projection)
Table 4 Proposed Subdivisions in the Study Area
NOTE: The appendices to this report have not been included in printing.
The complete study, including appendices is available on a loan basis from the Secretary
of the Inter-Church Regional Planning Association, Miss G. Kelly, 50 Wynford Drive,
Don Mills, Ontario. (Phone 429-0110)
A STUDY OF PATTERNS OF HUMAN SETTLEMENT IN PICKERING
INTRODUCTION:
The study of human settlement in Pickering and Ajax was commissioned in May 1973
by the Inter-Church Regional Planning Association. The study was commenced on June 4th,
by Robert Henderson, an Urban and Regional Planning student from the University of
Waterloo under the careful supervision of Mr. H. T. Lemon, M.T.P.I.C.
"
"PURPOSE OF THE STUDY:
The purpose of this study is to provide the churches with an insight into existing and
anticipated human settlement in Pickering Township, Pickering Village and the Town of
Ajax, and to reveal some of its implications for the churches.
The specific objectives of the study are as follows;
1) To identify some of the policies and programmes at all levels of government that are
effecting the development of the study area.
2) To identify the areas of expected residential growth in the short and long term.
3) To reveal the general nature, direction and rates of expected growth within the study
area.
4) To reveal as much as possible about existing and anticipated population, land use,
social organization and facilities.
5) To analyse the existing churches, their facilities and programmes.
6) To reveal those areas where the churches will need to focus immediate attention as
well as those areas which will require close surveillance.
"
"1.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
1. The direction and rate of growth in the study area is very strongly effected by
several Provincial and Federal Government planning policies. The most important of these
is the Toronto Centred Region Concept which is attempting to stimulate growth to the east
of Metropolitan Toronto. The TCR Concept implementation has led to proposals in Pickering
which will most likely lead to full scale urbanization of south Pickering Township.
These proposals will most likely accelerate the rate of growth to higher rates than would be
anticipated under normal urban growth, but at the same time, they are an
attempt to carefully guide this development in order to create a better environment.
These proposals are 1) the Central York Servicing Scheme, 2) The Parkway Belt: east 3)
The reorganization of local governments east of Metro and the creation of the Regional
Municipality of Durham 4) The north Pickering Community and its related services and 5)
the proposed new airport to list only a few.
A study of these proposals and programmes combined with consultations with government
officials with relation to Pickering Township, indicate the importance of an area designated
the ""detailed study area"" of south Pickering for the purposes of this study.
2. The population allocated to south-west Pickering in the TCR Concept was 110-115,
000 people. Consultations have indicated that this figure could be 130-160,000 or more by
2001. Population allocations for the whole township are around 360,000 people.
"
"2.
3. With appropriate servicing for water and sewage there are few environmental
constraints. This would indicate a significant development potential in the next 30 years.
The Central York servicing scheme could accommodate 360,000 people in Pickering,
of which 200,000 would be in north Pickering and 160,000 in south Pickering.
Without the CYSS, development would be restricted to 15-20,000 more people,
for a total population of approximately 55-57,000 before the undertaking of a servicing
scheme of similar magnitude.
4. The Parkway Belt will provide much of the open space in the study area,
will serve to physically define and separate communities, will act as a future land reserve,
and will act as a service and utility corridor.
5. With the establishment of the Regional Municipality of Durham, jurisdiction over
planning and transportation will be transferred to the Regional Council. Local plans of area
municipalities of Ajax and Pickering and amendments to local plans will have to conform to
an overall regional plan and must be approved by the regional council.
It will be the two new municipal agencies plus the regional planning agency that the church
must deal with to establish policies for future church locations.
6. The housing stock will most likely continue to have a high percentage of single family
units. However, significant numbers of multiple family units can be expected around the
major commercial core areas of both the new town of Pickering and Ajax .
"
"
3.
7. The detailed study area has been divided into four land use areas. (See Map 2)
for the purposes of this study. Area 1. South of 401, west of Duffins Creek
existing population 15,350
projected population 25-30,000
growth potential 10-15,000
A significant amount of this growth potential would occur in Look Out Point and Rosebank
before 1977.
Area 2. North of 4 01, west of new town of Ajax.
present population 7,000
projected population 100,000
potential population 93,000
This is the area of most immediate importance with four approved subdivisions of between
10-12,000 people to be developed before 1977. With CYSS sewage and water this area is
of prime importance for the future location of churches.
Area 3. north of 401 in the new town of Ajax.
present population 4,300
projected population 30-35,000
growth potention 30,000
Although there is significant growth potential, it is not anticipated that this area will develop
until after 19 85.
Area 4. south of 4 01 in the new town of Ajax.
present population 13,000
projected population 38-40,000
growth potential 3 6,0 00
There is a subdivision of 4500 people to be completed by 1977.
8. Both the Township and the town of Ajax operate extensive recreation programmes.
These should be examined by the churches in order to avoid duplication.
"
"4.
9. Transportation is largely by private automobile but public transit does exist and
could plan an important role in providing access to churches in the future.
10. There are 32 churches in the study area, 24 of these are located in the detailed study
area. It does not appear that many of these churches are correctly located or sufficient to
serve the needs of expected future populations.
"
"5.
PART 1. DEFINITION OF THE STUDY AREA;
Preliminary analysis of Pickering Township has led to the definition of a detailed study area
within the entire Township of Pickering. The detailed study area has been defined as the
area of Pickering Township lying south of the proposed new town of north Pickering,
approximately south of the HEPC Gatineau line. (See Map 1). It comprises the south
western portions of the Township including the areas of Rosebank, the West Shore and
Bay Ridges, and the areas north of highway 401 to the Gatineau line as well as the new
municipality of Ajax, the north limit of which is the northly limit of the fourth concession road.
(See Map 1).
The selection of the detailed study area within the Township grew out of an examination of
several factors.
Firstly, the proposed north Pickering community is being planned through the Provincial
agencies as a total urban community with its plan for development scheduled for completion
by January, 1975. It is being planned as a distinct community with all its own related services
and the ICRPA 1 has already made preliminary arrangements for incorporating church
needs within the plan.
The second factor in the definition of the study area has been the proposal for local
government reform east of Metro Toronto. Under this provincial legislation,
the township will be divided into the town of Pickering and the town of Ajax, (See Map 2)
as two area municipalities under the Regional Municipality of Durham.
The area municipality of Ajax is
1 ICRPA Inter Church Regional Planning Association
"
"6.
included in the detailed study, but the areas of the town of Pickering, comprising the
proposed airport, Pickering north community and the north east portion of the township
which is covered by a ministerial zoning order to restrict development, will be included in
the study area but will not be examined in detail. Also the area of West Rouge will not be
examined closely as it will become part of the Borough of Scarborough.
The third consideration in defining the detailed study area was the pending formation of a
Parkway Belt east of Markham extending to Oshawa. Although the Belt is still in the design
stage at the time of this report, several assumptions have been made after consultation with
many officials on the purpose and possible alignment. The Parkway Belt will in all probability
be designed to physically delineate the proposed communities in Pickering Township.
That is, it can be assumed to have general east-west alignment along the Gatineau HEPC
line that will separate the north Pickering community from the southern areas.
It will also probably have three north-south alignments. In the west,
there will probably be an extensive green belt up the Rouge Valley.
In the centre, a green belt following Duffins Creek will separate the town of Ajax from the built
up areas in the south-west portion of the Township. The third north-south green belt will
probably be aligned up Lynde Creek, physically separating Whitby from Ajax.
It can be seen that the study area divides into basically four areas; 1)
the north Pickering area, airport and rural north-east. 2) north Pickering community. 3)
the new Town of Ajax and 4) the south-west area bordered by the
"
"7.
Gatineau line, Duffins Creek and the Rouge River Valley.
Areas 3 and 4 have been selected for detailed study in view of their importance in terms
of understanding growth prospects, with respect to Map 2, areas 1,2,3 and 4.
PART 2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND PROVINCIAL INFLUENCES:
There can be no valid discussion of future growth in Pickering township without a full
understanding of the broader regional and provincial plans and policies that are the real
impetus to growth and will provide much of the actual direction for this growth.
Pickering Township is an area that will undergo a tremendous transition in the next few
years. It is suffering with growth pressures not only from Metro Toronto but also from the
provincially proposed north Pickering and federally proposed airport. This has left many of
the residents and politicians with a feeling of helplessness facing, what to them, appears to
be an awesome prospect of urbanization with uncertainty and only peripheral control of the
major elements of growth.
It is therefore important for this report to provide a background of these influences that will
affect the pattern of human settlement in Pickering. These influences include, 1) the Toronto
Centred Region concepts, 2) local government reform program, 3) the Central York
servicing scheme, 4) the Parkway Belt concept and 5) the north Pickering Community.
Each will be discussed separately.
"
"8.
2 a) The Regional Context- Design for Development- The Toronto Centred Region
Concept.
Two quotes
(1) "" It is the responsibility of the provincial government
to assess the present and future requirements of the province relating to social,
economic and government developments. The provincial government also has the
responsibility to carry out and give direction to regional land use and economic
development planning. It has the duty to ensure that when development occurs in any
part of the province it shall take place as a result of good regional planning.
Such planning must include consideration of water supply, sewage disposal,
transportation facilities, highways, agriculture, mining location of industry,
the supply of labour and all other factors necessary to the provision of the best
possible social and economic climate for the people who live and work within the region.""
Design for Development- White Paper 1966.
(2) "" The Toronto Centred Region is a far reaching development
and planning concept which will shape our future and that of our children and their children.
It will influence where we shall live, where we shall work and where we shall play.
It will have enormous impact on the course of development in the very heart of our
province. ""
Hon. J.P. Robarts, May 1970.
These two quotes indicate the scope and spirit with which the provincial government is
undertaking regional planning in Ontario and especially in the Toronto Centred Region,
here and after referred to as the TCR.
The report, 'Design for Development, the Toronto Centred Region' released May 1970
and the subsequent report "" A Status Report on the Toronto Centred Region,""
August 1971 outline the provincial policies for orderly growth and development of the
Toronto Centred area of which Pickering is a part. These reports make up the second
stage of a continuous and evolutionary planning process for the region which has its
roots in the first stage which
"
"9.
began in 1962 with the Metropolitan Toronto and Region Transportation Study,
here and after referred to as MTARTS. Volume II of MTARTS was ""Choices for a Growing
Region,"" in which preliminary goals for the Toronto Region were outlined along with six
possible alternatives for regional growth. After extensive analysis, Goals Plan II of the
MTARTS proposal was officially adopted and this concept is now being implemented in the
growth and planning of the TCR.
Goals Plan II essentially called for a two tiered linear system of cities extending from
Bowmanville to Hamilton. The urban centres were to be separated by a Parkway Belt
system of non urban uses and at the same time connected by a regional transportation
network made up of two corridors; one along the lake and another further north connecting
the other two cities. The eastern portion of this area extending from the boundary of Metro
Toronto to Bowmanville was to be stimulated for more rapid growth to take pressure off the
rapidly developing areas west of Metro Toronto and to distribute population more evenly
through the urban corridor.
A linear system of development along the lake was chosen in the TCR concept as it allowed
for greater efficiency in transportation utilities as well as the use of Lake Ontario for sewage
disposal and water supply than would be possible with radial or north-south expansion.
The 1970 TCR Concept thus represented further study and refinement of the MTARTS
proposals as well as inputs from public response.
"
"10.
The key points for future development policy for the TCR as it affects Pickering are as stated
in Design for Development: The Toronto Centred Region.
1. Develop a well, structured urbanized zone from Bowmanville to Hamilton for a
population of approximately 5.7 million by the year 2000, the structure to be basically a two
tiered arrangement of cities separated by Parkway Belt of open space with inter-urban
transportation and trunk services.
2. Stimulate growth in key places in the north and east of Toronto where there exists an
unused potential for future development.
3. Reserve sizeable districts north-east and north-west of Toronto for open space,
conservation areas, recreation and agriculture.
4. Maintain the Georgian Bay shoreline, Lake Simcoe, Niagara escarpment,
Kawartha Lakes and parts of Lake Ontario shoreline for conservation and recreational uses
for the expanding populations.
5. Develop a transportation pattern to provide best
possible services for all parts of the region. 1.
On April 26, 1971 the provincial government endorsed the TCR concept and is using the
principles of this basic plan as the guideline for provincial decision making in relation to
development proposals, provision of highways and other transport facilities, the location and
timing of servicing schemes, public buildings, parks and open space areas.
1. Design for Development: The Toronto Centred Region, The Government of Ontario,
May 1970 P 3.
"
"11.
Population allocation for Pickering emphasizes the strategy of stimulated eastern
growth and is designed with the Central York Sewage and Water scheme in mind.
The study area of south-west Pickering was allocated a population of 110-115,0 00
people or more. Consultation with the provincial regional planning group indicated that
contingent on servicing, this figure could actually be as high as 135,000- 160,000 people.
There are few constraints to limit such development in south Pickering. It must be clearly
understood however that these are maximum population allocations and are dependent on a
great many variables. It should also be pointed out that these development potentials are not
anticipated to be fulfilled until after the year 2000. 1.
The Pickering area therefore has a very significant potential for growth in the next 30 years.
This growth has been planned primarily at the provincial level in accordance with the TCR
concept. Various aspects of this planning are discussed in the following sections.
2 b) The Parkway Belt
The study area is located on the eastern fringe of Metro Toronto within the TCR.
Any future development of Pickering must therefore be in accordance with the TCR concept.
As such, the Parkway Belt east of Toronto as an essential element of TCR concept and its
alignment in Pickering township will have a definite effect on the shape of future
development in the study area.
1. Design for Development, A Status Report on the Toronto Centred Region,
The Government of Ontario. Aug. 1971; P. 13
"
"12.
Although the Parkway Belt east is just at the design stage at the time of this report,
the philosophy of it, and reasons for it as well as the parameters of its design have
been well established. These principles have been demonstrated in ""The Parkway
Belt West"" published in June, 1973 and passed in the legislation of June as An Act to
provide for planning and development of the Parkway Belt, Bill 130.
Throughout its length the Parkway Belt will perform at least one of the following functions:
"" 1) Service or Utility corridor- transportation of people, goods, energy and information
without disrupting community shape, function and integrity.
2) To physically define and separate communities
3) To provide a future land reserve
4) To provide an open space system of green space, ravines, river valleys,
gardens and farms for the people of the region to use for recreation and breathing space. "" 1.
The Parkway Belt east will run from Markham, passing directly through Pickering township.
After consultation with a number of officials there are several assumptions that may be made
about the section of the Parkway Belt in Pickering township.
1) It is anticipated that the Belt may be considerably wider to the east of Toronto than it
is to the west where development had seriously limited the amount of land which
could be designated.
2) The area designated as Parkway Belt east will be considered as an area where a
""Provincial Development Plan"" has been prepared, and as such will be under provincial
jurisdiction
1. The Parkway Belt: west, Ministry of Treasury, Economics and Inter-governmental Affairs.
June, 1973; p 4.
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"13.
under The Planning and Development Act, Bill 129 as well as The Parkway Belt Planning
and Development Act, Bill 130.
3) It may be assumed that the east-west alignment of the Parkway Belt will be located along
the general alignment of the Hydro Electric Power Commission's Gatineau line. However,
it is anticipated that it will not be restricted to the width of the HEPC line, but will widen in
spots to contain considerable amounts of land. ( See Map 4).
4) It may be assumed that there will be three north-south links connecting the lake to the
corridor and north from there to include river valleys and conservation areas, golf
courses, etc. ( See Map 4). The connecting links will most likely follow (a) The Rouge River
Valley (b) Duffins Creek and (c) Lynde Creek.
5) It is not anticipated that this section of the Parkway Belt will be announced until after
the new year when The Regional Municipality of Durham becomes official. At such
time all municipal plans and zoning by-laws must be amended to conform to the Provincial
Parkway Belt Act. However after formal adoption of these plans, provincial land use
regulations may be removed and land use determined by the amended municipal
official plans.
2 c) Proposed Central York and Pickering Areas Water and Sewage Systems
In June 1972 the Ministry of the Environment of Ontario published the ""
Central York-Pickering Sewage and Water Systems Report"", which outlined the
proposal by the province for a major servicing scheme for the areas east and north of
Metro Toronto, here and after referred to as the CYSS. The proposal was developed
"
"14.
within the context of the goals and population allocations outlined in the Toronto Centred
Region concept. The proposal included servicing recommendations for the regional
municipality of York, the township of Pickering, the Town of Ajax, the village of Pickering as
well as the proposed north Pickering community project and new airport. The scheme
provided a method of stimulating and accommodating growth and development north and
east of Metro.
Population figures used for this report were taken from the TCR concept and indicate that
population figures in Pickering Township to be serviced by thescheme could ultimately rise
from 37,500 in 1970 to 360,000. Although 200,000 of this would be in the north Pickering
community, this leaves a population of 160,000 for the south-west Pickering area,
Ajax and the village of Pickering. ( See Table 1).
The scheme would eventually replace all existing servicing facilities in the area with a
water pollution control plant located in the vicinity of the mouth of Duffins Creek and the main
trunk system following the alignment of the Duffin Creek valley. It is proposed that water be
supplied from the Metropolitan Toronto system.
(i) Sewage Services
The timing of such a scheme is very significant to the development of the study area.
Existing facilities for the treatment of sewage in Pickering are made up of three treatment
plants. The Pickering township and Ajax plants have already committed their remaining
capacity to new subdivisions. The village of Pickering has a limited potential left which is
"
Population Projections 1970 - Ultimate Population
"15.
not committed. Without new facilities further expansion could not be anticipated.
Under the draft plan of the CYSS, the 25 MGD treatment plant would be constructed
between 1975-1980. Therefore by 1980 the south-west area of Pickering and Pickering
north community could be completely serviced by this new scheme. The village of Pickering
and Ajax plants would continue to operate with interim capacity increases until 1985-1994.
This could have considerable effect in slowing the rate of development in these two areas.
At the same time it will have an increased effect on stimulating growth in south-west
Pickering.
(ii) Water Services
The provision of water is not a limiting factor in development in the study area for the next
few years. Existing facilities in south-west Pickering have a capacity of 3.75 MGD.
The present consumption rates of 80 GPCD would allow south-west Pickering to expand to
47,000 people before new facilities are required or until roughly 19 80. 1.
Ajax and Pickering villages are supplied by a 5 MGD purification plant. With total population
allocations of 45,000 people this plant would accommodate all forseeable water demands
at present consumption rates. 2.
These figures would tend to indicate that the CYSS for water would be essential for the
development of the north Pickering community and for the ultimate development of
south-west Pickering. However, the timing of the scheme provides for completion of water
servicing to south-west Pickering and north Pickering by 1980.
1.Central York-Pickering Areas Water & Sewage Systems, Ministry of the Environment,
June, 1972 P 13.
2. Ibid P 13.
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"16.
Based on this scheduling the Pickering village and Ajax water purification plants would
continue operation until 1985-1994 but would ultimately be phased out.
From the above, there are two possibilities:
1) Assuming the CYSS is not implemented; the area has committed most of its sewage
system capacity, and development will be limited to approximately 15 to 20 thousand more
people and stimulation of extensive new growth in the area could not be achieved.
2) Assuming that the CYSS is implemented, considerable growth would be expected
achieving an ultimate population potential of 360,000 people, 160,000 of which would be in
south west Pickering, Pickering village and Ajax.
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"17.
2d) Proposal for Local Government Reform East of Metro
Following the development of the TCR concept it became increasingly apparent to the
provincial government that the fragmented system of municipal government would be
inadequate to cope with increased growth and developmental problems east of Metro
Toronto. It was felt that in order to provide coherently planned development,
that the large number of existing local governments must be reorganized into a
strong regional government. The philosophy and concepts of this were contained in the
""Proposal for local Government Reform in an area east of Metro"" which was published
by the Ministry of Treasury, Economics and Intergovernmental Affairs in December 1972.
In June 1973 the concepts of this report became law in "" An Act to establish the Regional
Municipality of Durham,"" Bill 162. Through this act the Regional Municipality of Durham will
be incorporated on January 1, 1974 and will include the areas outlined on Map #5.
The Act is important for the purposes of this study as it reorganizes the municipal structure
of Pickering township into two area municipalities as illustrated on Map #2.
1) The town of Ajax and Pickering Village will be amalgamated, with extended
boundaries and will be called The Town of Ajax.
2) The rest of the township will be incorporated into the Town of Pickering with the
exception of West Rouge, which will be added to the Borough of Scarborough.
Under the new government structure, many of the functions that were formerly under
municipal jurisdiction will in the future be regional responsibility. Planning is one such
function.
"
"18.
On December 31, 1973 all planning areas and boards in the Durham planning area will be
dissolved. The regional council may then designate area municipalities such as the Town of
Ajax and Town of Pickering, as district planning areas and ask them to prepare a district
plan. This plan and any amendments to existing official plans must be approved at the
regional level, before they are submitted to the minister for approval.
After a regional official plan is prepared and adopted (before 1976) all municipal plans
must be amended to conform to it.
The effect that this will have on the study area is at present unknown. However,
it means that municipalities as they now exist will no longer control or implement
development. It implies that the new area municipalities will be required to plan in the
interest of the entire Durham region.
It may be reasonably assumed that the reorganization of government will have little effect on
development in south-west Pickering ( areas 1 and 2 on Map #2). Consultation with a
number of officials indicates that the south-west Pickering may develop at a faster rate
with higher densities than was previously anticipated. The reasons for this are a combination
of various factors :
1) The area's proximity to transportation by means of 401, highway 2 and the Go Line.
2) South-west Pickering is to have new servicing completed before north Pickering or
Ajax.
3) South-west Pickering is close to existing commercial and industrial development.
"
"19.
4) There is a strong demand in the Toronto Centred Region for housing of the type
which will most probably be developed in south-west Pickering.
5) South-west Pickering has the nearest developable land east of Metro Toronto.
In other words, it is a logical place for full scale development to occur.
2e) The Establishment of the North Pickering Community
On March 2, 1972, the provincial government announced plans to acquire 25,000 acres in
Pickering township, Markham township and Scarborough, which is to be the site of a new
community called North Pickering. (See Map #2). The ultimate population of this community
is expected to fall within the range of 150 to 200 thousand.
This plan was announced at the same time as the proposed new airport and together they
were to make up a major step in the implementation of the TCR plan. The process of
planning this community is well into the preliminary stages and land acquisition negotiations
are partially completed. Since there have been some serious questions raised about the
wisdom of a new airport located in Pickering, it is now apparent that the provincial planning
team must plan contingent with not having an airport, and its facilities, as well as having one.
The initial development of North Pickering is anticipated to start in 1978, with a population
of 10,000 by 1980. After this time the north Pickering development should proceed at quite a
rapid rate. The rate will of course be determined by the market demand for housing as well
as the rate of industrial
"
"20.
development and job formation east of Metro Toronto and at the proposed airport site.
When this growth is looked at with respect to the south Pickering area, it is obvious that
there will be an increased pressure for growth due to the building of roads, parks, services,
a better transportation network and other social facilities for north Pickering, which would
make the area more desirable to live in. The north Pickering community will also have the
effect of increasing the market size for commercial activity in south Pickering. Owing to this
it could be anticipated that south Pickering could develop faster than north Pickering and
could be in fact, stimulated by the development of this new community.
2f) Conclusions
This has been a summary of careful examination of the major factors effecting growth in the
study area. It has not been a review of all background information or influences. However,
the direction and complexity of policies and programmes that have been shaping the area
can be clearly seen. It becomes immediately apparent that growth is being stimulated on a
large scale in the Pickering study area and its environs. Such growth is not occurring as a
""shot in the dark"" or in random manner, but is being planned for and coordinated by
several levels of government as well as several ministries within senior governments.
It can be anticipated that development will begin almost immediately and continue towards
the establishment of three major communities, north Pickering, south-west Pickering and
Ajax, comprising an ultimate total population of approximately 360,000.
"
"21.
It is not within the scope of this study to discuss whether this strategy is good or bad,
it is merely an attempt to study what is actually happening and to anticipate,
under current conditions, what can reasonably be expected to happen by the turn of the
century.
"
"22.
PART 3. POPULATION AND LAND USE:
At the present time the study area is divided into three distinct municipalities with separate
planning agencies for each. These are, 1) The Township of Pickering, 2) The Town of Ajax
and 3) The Village of Pickering. ( See Map #3, Existing Land Use). As indicated in the
earlier section "" Reorganization of Local Governments"" these boundaries are to be
changed as of January 1, 1974 under An Act to Establish the Regional Municipality of
Durham. Bill 162. Under this Act, the study area will be divided into two area municipalities,
which will most probably be district planning areas under the Durham Region.
The boundaries are outlined on Map #2.
It will be these two district planning agencies plus the regional agency that the
"" Association"" must deal with to make a definite policy for church location in this rapidly
developing area.
a) Population and Housing
The 1971 census population figures indicate an existing population in Pickering township of
46,785. The detailed study area of the township contained almost 80% of this total or 37,160
in 1971. The population has risen at a rate of 19.3% since 1966.
This is approximately equal to the overall growth rate of Metro Toronto for the same period
(14.8%) 1. However, only small pockets of the study area grew in population since 1966,
and these have taken the majority of development in Pickering township.
1. Population and Housing Characteristics by Census Tracts -Toronto 1971 Census of
Canada, May 1973.
"
Population and Housing * 1971 Census
"23.
It can be seen in Table 2 that the areas of Rosebank and West Shore, the village of
Pickering and parts of Ajax are the areas of growth. Other parts of the study area have either
declining populations or are exhibiting little growth.
Throughout south Pickering, single family detached housing units range from 62% to 96%
of the total housing stock. Only in Ajax and Pickering Village are there significant numbers
of multiple family dwellings. In other words south Pickering is still largely undeveloped.
However it becomes apparent that the outside factors affecting development as discussed
earlier are just now starting to affect Pickering. It can be anticipated that growth and
development will proceed much more rapidly in the next few years and the new people
will reflect suburban characteristics as new housings first occupants.
The following population projections are a result of consultations with both provincial and
local municipal planning agencies. They are extremely tenuous and are contingent on many
of the factors discussed earlier, particularly the undertakings and consistent progress with
respect to the CYSS.
TABLE 3
POPULATION PROJECTIONS 1971- ultimate capacity
"
"24.
A more detailed distribution of proposed future population is indicated on the future land
use map #4.
It is anticipated that much of the future development will be in the form of single family
detached homes. As in the past, this will meet the market demand that cannot now be
met in Metro Toronto. However, it is also probable that there will be significantly more
multiple family units built in the form of single family attached, row or town houses and
apartments, in order to achieve both the desired choice or mix of housing types and
projected densities.
Higher densities of population can be anticipated close to proposed and existing
commercial cores in both Ajax and Pickering Township, with densities decreasing
further away.
Of immediate concern are the proposals of six subdivisions in the study area for
immediate development. In Ajax a subdivision is under construction with a projected
population of approximately 4580. In Pickering township, four subdivisions have been
approved and one is pending. These are listed in the following table. (See map 2).
TABLE 4
PROPOSED SUBDIVISIONS IN THE STUDY AREA
"
"25.
With the addition of these six subdivisions sanitary sewerage reaches the point where no
additional development can take place without construction of new facilities. It is anticipated
that the CYSS will be able to provide the required facilities for further development but it
should not be assumed without some reservation at this time.
b) Existing Land Use
Land use is at present being controlled separately by the township, Pickering village and the
town of Ajax under separate land use plans, interim development guides or zoning by-laws.
Existing land use for the study area is indicated on Map #3.
Under Regional Government, land use will be controlled by district plans conforming with an
overall regional plan. The town of Ajax is at this time in the process of having an OP 1
approved and the township is in the process of writing a new OP. Although the Ajax OP
will have to be extended to include the village of Pickering and the new areas to be
incorporated, it must be assumed that these plans will make significant contributions to the
Durham Regional Plan and will be used unofficially to guide development until the adoption
of an official Regional Plan and/or district plans. It is hoped therefore that the outline future
land use plan shown on Map #4 will provide an interim indication of the magnitude,
direction and timing of future development in the study area.
1 Official Plan
"
"26.
c) Future Land Use
Future land use as outlined on Map #4 was synthesised by consultation with provincial and
municipal planning agencies and has no official status. It is strictly a glimpse of what might
possibly happen.
As indicated on Map #2, the study area will be divided into two municipal planning areas;
the Town of Ajax and the Town of Pickering. It is divided further by the physical boundaries
of hwy.401, dividing the area in an east-west alignment and by the major river valleys of the
west Rouge, Duffins Creek and Lynde Creek, running in north-south alignments.
The municipal and physical boundary lines therefore divide the detailed study
area into four rather distinct areas. 1) The area south of 401 and west of Duffins Creek
and east of the Rouge River, including the areas of Rosebank, West-Shore and Bay Ridges.
2) The area north of 401, east of the Rouge River, south of the Gatineau line, and west of the
new Town of Ajax boundaries, including the areas of Highbush, Dunbarton and Liverpool.
3) The area north of 401 in the new Town of Ajax 4) The area south of 401 in the new Town
of Ajax. The following section is an outline of preliminary plans for each of these areas which
may be significant for the purposes of this study.
Area 1- south of 401, Rouge River to Duffins Creek
Residential development of this area is quite extensive at present. A projected population of
25,000 - 30,000 people has been indicated for this area which would mean a potential
increase of 10 to 15,000. A significant amount of this development
"
"27.
will occur in Rosebank and Lookout Point before 1977. The Metro Toronto Region and
Conservation Authority here and after referred to as the MTRCA owns and is acquiring
extensive amounts of lakefront land which will serve as part of the open space system.
The HEPC also holds large parcels of land for the Pickering Nucleur Plant and transmission
lines. These lands are of course not likely to be developed extensively for other than uses by
the HEPC or other uses compatible for Hydro's functions.
The area east of Sandy Beach Road to the Town of Ajax boundary is anticipated to be
developed for industry. The extension of Lawrence Avenue across the Rouge River to
Bayley Road will be a major step in improving the road network along the lake and will
strongly effect adjoining land uses.
Area 2- north of 401, Rouge River to Ajax, Highbush, Dunbarton and Liverpool.
This area is at present largely rural in character, with significant amounts of strip
development along major roads. It is the most significant area for future development
and at this moment has four subdivisions in the advanced planning stages.
Its present population of around 7,000 is projected to grow to around 100,000.
In order to state a policy to future regional planners and to direct growth in the interim,
Pickering township planners have prepared 2 interim development guides.
The first for Liverpool community ( see Map #4), indicates a ""community"" of
41,600 people at a gross density of 26 persons /acre. This ""community""
has been divided into seven neighbourhoods, each having elementary school and local
"
"28.
park facilities. The overall development would have low, medium and high density
residential development with commercial facilities, secondary school, major parks and
open spaces and recreational facilities. It is anticipated that within the Liverpool area a
major regional commercial centre would be established that would serve not only south
Pickering but also the north Pickering community.
The existing industrial area would be expanded depending on the need.
It is anticipated that quite extensive open space would be preserved around the branches of
Duffins Creek, which would compliment the local parks system.
A second interim development guide was prepared for the areas to the west of Liverpool,
including Dunbarton and Highbush. This expressed a similar "" community"" development
concept with an expected population of around 60,000.
Timing of development in both these areas is contingent on factors discussed earlier.
However with existing facilities it could be anticipated that a population increase of 10 to
12,000 could occur by 1977. After CYSS is established there appears to be few limiting
factors to very rapid development of this area. However, one limiting factor that has been
identified, is the fact that much of the land is held in very small individual parcels.
It is therefore likely that unless these small holdings can be assembled,
that the land held by major developers will develop quite quickly, followed by slower,
more scattered development of small parcels of developable land.
"
"30.
The proposed OP for Ajax, although not official, is probably a good indicator of future
development trends in Ajax. The general statements of the plan indicate 1) growth of two
residential ""neighbourhoods"" west of Harwood Avenue in south Ajax with schools and a
large park located centrally in each. There would be a good mix of housing types in each
""neighbourhood"" with single family low density units composing only 45%. Medium and
high density units would be clustered along major arterial roads, especially Harwood.
2) High and medium density development would occur along the east side of Harwood.
3) Neighbourhood commercial facilities plus a medium sized district commercial facility
at the foot of Harwood combined with a marina would complement the already substantial
commercial core.
4) Industry would be concentrated in the existing industrial area.
5) The lakeshore and Duffins Creek would be preserved as open space and parkland.
This would complement existing neighbourhood parks to provide quite a substantial parks
system.
6) Timing of the development would depend greatly on the ability to service the land.
Town engineers anticipate that either the CYSS timing will be changed to service Ajax
before 1985 or interim treatment facilities will be provided to sustain continued urban
growth.
7) The plan gives no indication of either proposed future church sites or that church sites
have been considered.
d) Recreational Facilities and Programmes
Facilities for recreation are under the jurisdiction of the Town of Ajax,
Recreation Department and the Township of Pickering Recreation and
Transportation Department. They both offer extensive recreation programmes and offer
assistance in
"
30.
The proposed OF for Ajax, although not official, is
probably a goad indicator of future development trends in Ajax.
The general statements of the plan indicate 1) growth of two
residential "neighbourhoods" west of Harwood Avenue in south
Ajax with schools and a large park located centrally in each.
There would be a good mix of housing types in each "neighbourhood"
with single family low density units composing only 458.
Medium and high density units would be clustered along major
arterial roads, especially Harvond. Q) High awl medium
density development would occur along the east side of Harwood.
3) Neighbourhood commercial facilities plus a medium sized
district commercial facility at the foot of Harwood combined
with a marina would complement the already substantial
commercial core. 4) Industry would be concentrated in the
existing industrial area. 5) The lakeshore and Du£fins Creek
would be preserved as open space and parkland. This would
complement existing neighbourhood parks to provide quite a
substantial parks system. 6) Timing of the development would
depend greatly on the ability to service the land. Town
engineers anticipate that either the CY88 timing will be changed
to service Ajax before 1985 or interim treatment facilities
will be provided to sustain continued urban growth. ]) The
plan gives no indication of either proposed future church
sites or that church sites have been considered.
d) Recreational Facilities and Finarammes
Facilities for recreation are under the jurisdiction
of the Town of Ajax, Recreation Department and the Township
of Pickering Recreation and Transportation Department. They both
offer extensive recreation programmes and offer assistance in
"31.
establishing new programmes of all types in their respective communities.
Pickering Township helps provide recreation on three levels.
1) Separate private groups. The Recreation Department will provide technical assistance
but don't interfere with the operation of the group. 2) Cooperative programmes.
This is set up on the neighbourhood concept the same as those used by the Planning Board
and is coordinated with community development in the township. Through this programme
an Area Recreation Association is established that operates independently of the
Recreation Department but receives funds and technical guidance and personnel upon
request. It is planned to establish these programmes throughout south Pickering using the
public schools in most cases for operations. 3) Township wide programmes that are
geared for a broad area. The Don Beer Sports Arena is one such programme. In this case,
the township supplies full leadership and responsibility for the programme.
At present there are 33 varied summer programmes sponsored by this department.
At present a $300 lot levy supplies some of the funds for recreation facilities in the township.
The YMCA facilities in Pickering are also available for recreation with a community worker
that provides professional assistance to develop program activities that enrich the quality of
life within the township. Other facilities include a teen centre on Bayley Road and community
centre in Pickering Beach.
Ajax has a slightly different attitude. Although it is expected that the local ""neighbourhood""
schools will provide some recreation facilities it seems that more emphasis is being placed
on their centrally located Arena and Community Centre.
"
"32.
In summation it seems that the needs of the population for recreation facilities are being
planned and administered by a qualified municipal and professional staff. If the role of the
church is to provide programmes for creative use of leisure time it must have a different
emphasis from municipal or other available forms of recreation.
e) Schools
Present Policy on Community Use of Schools
The Ontario County Public School and Ontario County Roman Catholic Separate
School Boards are well aware of their obligations to the community as a tax supported
institution and encourages use of its facilities whenever possible for worthwhile community
purposes. The Board approves the use of schools by civic, cultural, educational, religious,
sports and social organizations.
Under normal circumstances groups such as Cubs, Scouts, Brownies, Guides,
school sponsored school activities, parish groups, ethnic cultural groups,
religious classes and some training workshops are able to use the school facilities at no
charge.
Nominal charges are levied for use of buildings but the playing field is provided gratis for
properly constituted ratepayers groups and for community recreational department programs.
School Locations
All public and separate schools and sites are located on Map #3, Existing Land use.
Area 1
There are six public elementary schools and three
"
"33.
separate elementary schools in this area. Community Recreation programmes are being
developed which utilize some of these schools facilities eg. Sir John A. MacDonald school
is used as a community centre.
Area 2
There are four public elementary, 1 senior elementary and 1 secondary school in this area.
The Separate School Board has no sites at present but have four school sites reserved
without having them specifically located until scale and timing of development is better
confirmed.
Area 3
There are three public elementary schools and one secondary school in this area.
Area 4
Concurrent with Board of Education policy, the public school board does not hold any
prospective sites in this area. There are at present 2 high schools, 1 senior public
elementary school, 4 public elementary schools and 1 school for trainable retarded children.
The Catholic Separate School Board has one elementary school and one elementary school
site. It is proposed that three additional public elementary schools and 1 additional Catholic
elementary school be built in association with neighbourhood parks in south Ajax.
Also, that a senior elementary, secondary and Catholic separate school be built on a
""campus like"" parcel of land on the west side of Harwood in south Ajax.
It is anticipated that these schools and their facilities will be available to the community as is
current policy by both the Catholic and Public School Boards. This should provide ample
space for various community activities and supplement recreational facilities.
"
"34.
f) Transportation
(i) Public Transit
Public transit is based on three separately operated systems. The first is the Province of
Ontario GO train and bus feeder system. It focuses on the Liverpool (Bay Ridges)
Go station with bus feeder lines serving Pickering Ajax and the surrounding area.
This line and accompanying bus service can be expected to expand to Ajax and eventually
to Oshawa as population increases.
The second system is the Pickering Townhip Dial-a-Bus system, operated by the
Recreation and Transportation Department. It provides home to destination transportation at
a minimum cost to users. The service is based on a 5 zone system which extends from
Altona Road to Sandy Beach Road and from Finch Avenue to the lake. The zones and a
further description of the service are shown in the appendix.
This is a very important means of transportation for people without cars in such a spread
out area. It is anticipated that this system will continue to be successful and provide a
needed service to the communities of south-west Pickering.
The third system of public transit services the town of Ajax. This is a fixed route system with
the focal point of the routes being the commercial core of the town.
As of January 1, 1974 all public transit could become a regional concern.
Therefore future policies and transportation modes are undetermined at this time.
"
"35.
(ii) The Road System
Despite the existence of three public transit systems and anticipated expansion of their
services, the predominant means of mobility is by the private automobile.
This of course requires a good road system comprised of expressways, arterial roads,
collectors and local streets. A description of the roads in the detailed study area are as
follows.
The major physical feature in the study area is the Macdonald-Cartier Freeway.
Paradoxically by providing good access to Pickering from the east or west it is also an
effective barrier between north and south parts of Pickering and contributes to many local
transportation problems.
A major road of expressway class can be anticipated to link north Pickering to the south
and to 4 01 in the future. The alignment of such a road is not know at this time.
A major and minor arterial road network is the most important element required to move
traffic within an area. Due to the geography of south Pickering, and the barrier caused by
the 401, the present arterial road network will most likely require considerable modification
if it is to handle greatly increased loads of traffic efficiently. Many of the major north-south
roads do not extend past the fourth concession at present and are therefore uncapable of
serving any development in north Pickering. Only a limited number of these north-south
roads cross the 401. This seriously limits movement from the north part of the study area to
the south. In the future these roads may become increasingly congested as traffic flow
increases.
"
"36.
Arterial roads in a north-south alignment are Port Union Road, Altona Road,
Rosebank Road, Whites Road, Fairport Road, Dixie Road, Liverpool Road,
Valley Farm Road, Brock Road, Church Street, Harwood Road and Audley Road.
In an east-west alignment there are only three roads of arterial class in the detailed study
area; Bayley Road, Finch Avenue and Kingston Road.
It is anticipated that many of these roads will be rerouted and widened to accommodate
increased traffic flows and changing patterns of movement as the area develops.
An example of this is the proposed extension of Lawrence Avenue to Bayley Road
across the Rouge river.
It can be anticipated that these arterial roads and their relation to highway 401 will have a
major influence in the future development of the area as commercial and industrial areas
will undoubtedly orient themselves to key access points. Higher density residential areas
can also be anticipated at points along these major roads.
The layout of collector roads and local streets in the undeveloped areas is unknown at this
time.
The overall transportation network of the area goes hand in hand with the land use.
It should be a major consideration for the location of new churches as well as other
facilities to which a new community requires access. At present, a great deal is not known
about future transportation links and travel patterns. However, if criteria for church location
as far as transportation needs are concerned, can be developed and submitted to local and
regional planning agencies, they can be
"
"37.
considered in the official plans and appropriate sites can be designated.
g) Social Organization and Facilities
There is a myriad of both professional, fulltime and volunteer social service agencies that
exist in the communities of south Pickering.
A directory of most community services has been compiled by the Ajax-Pickering Social
Planning Council. A summary of the professional and full time services and their locations
is included in Table 5.
This table gives a good picture of the wide range and scope of the community services
available. The Social Planning Council itself plays a very important role in Pickering.
The goals of it are to study community need, to develop appropriate community services,
to coordinate existing services and to inform the public by developing awareness of
community need.
Other very important organizers of the social activities in Pickering are of course the two
municipal recreation departments, which are discussed earlier. They are engaged in
providing both programmes and facilities for active and passive social interaction.
Service clubs such as Kinsmen, Lions and Rotary are divided in much the same way as the
land use areas, Ajax, Bay Ridges and Pickering each have their own service clubs.
This tends to suggest the strong sense of local identity that seems to exist in the various
parts of the study area.
"
"38.
A third important organizing force that exists is the Ajax-Pickering Community Fund.
It provides financial operating support for recognized benevolent and charitable
organizations and social agencies engaged in community service work by the collection and
disbursing of funds.
Nine ratepayers and community associations are functioning in the study area,
with the majority of them in the communities south of 4 01. It is likely that as development
occurs in Liverpool and Dunbarton, additional groups will form.
It is important to note that with this large number of well organized social agencies operating
in a relatively sparsely populated area, the ""church"" as a whole has few outstanding social
activities apart from the traditional church functions and day care centres which are listed
previously. Fernie House, a youth rehabilitation centre operated by the Presbyterian church
is worthy of special note. It illustrates the type of unique guidance and leadership
""the church"" is capable of providing in a community and is indicative of a role that is
important for ""the church"" to fulfill.
Although this brief outline and table gives some indication of the types of social
organizations and facilities that exist at present, it is extremely difficult to predict whether or
not they will be sufficient for a rapidly urbanizing area and to predict what new social
services may be required in a period of increased leisure time and increased social
problems and changing cultural values. It is hoped that this will be considered in determining
the role of the church in the future.
"
Exsiting Church Locations
"EXISTING CHURCH LOCATION MAP KEY Map 1A
1. St. Pauls Anglican
2. St. Martins Anglican
3. St. Georges Anglican
4. Holy Trinity Anglican
5. Grace Presbyterian
6. St. Andrews Presbyterian
7. St. Timothy's Presbyterian
8. Bayfair Baptist
9. Bayfair Site
10. Ajax Baptist
11. Pickering Beach Baptist
[8-11 Fellowship Baptist]
12. Trinity Baptist
13. Green River Community Baptist ) Convention Baptist
14. First Baptist Church of Claremont)
15. Holy Redeemer Roman Catholic
16. St. Frances de Salles Roman Catholic Church
17. St. Bernadettes Roman Catholic Church
18. Brougham United Church
19. Mt. Zion United Church
20. Greenwood United Church
21. Pickering United
22. St. Paul's United
23. Fairport United
24. Dunbarton United
25. Cherrywood United
26. Whitevale United
27. Peace Lutheran
28. Cedar Park Church of Christ
29. Ajax Pentecostal
30. Bayview Church
31. Salvation Army Hall
"
"39.
PART 4. INVENTORY OF CONGREGATIONS, CHURCH FACILITIES
AND PROGRAMMES BY DENOMINATION:
Allowing for relocations, burned out buildings and new church constructions,
there are approximately 25 churches actively serving the south Pickering study area
and 32 churches serving Pickering township. The following section is intended as an
inventory of these churches. They are listed by denomination and located on the
accompanying maps with their respective service areas indicated.
A brief summary of their facilities is included in tabular form in the appendix.
Information was collected for this section by a survey of the Pickering Ministerial.
A copy of the survey is included in the appendix.
a) Anglican Churches
There are four Anglican churches serving the study area. They are located on Map
#1 b) as follows: 1) St. Paul's 2) St. Martins 3) St. Georges 4) Holy Trinity.
St. Martins Anglican
. location - Bay Ridges
. congregation- 275 families -increased size since 1967
. seating capacity- 115
. physical condition - poor to fair
St. Martins is located on a large site in north-west Bay Ridges off Bayley Road.
Its congregation is of moderate size and is drawn from both sides of the Frenchman's Bay
area.
The church seems to have grown with the Bay Ridges and West Shore communities and is
actively supporting more groups than can physically meet in the church itself. Due to this,
Cubs, Scouts and Venturers must meet elsewhere to find sufficient
"
Anglican Churches
"40.
space. Groups that do use the church include 5 church groups and the Alcoholics
Anonymous and a diet workshop.
Holy Trinity Anglican
. location - Ajax
. congregation- 500 people
. increased size since 1966
. seating capacity 200
. physical condition- fair to excellent
Holy Trinity Anglican is located in Ajax on Kings Crescent. It seems to be a large well
established church with its congregation coming from the town of Ajax, from the 401 to
the lake.
It is active in the community, providing facilities and meeting space for Cubs, Scouts,
Brownies, Guides, the Hospital Auxiliary, a bridge club and group committees.
There are also six active church groups who use the facilities. The buildings and facilities
are in fair to excellent condition.
St. Pauls Dunbarton
St. Pauls is a fairly small church located between highway 2 and Sheppard Avenue in
Dunbarton. Its service area includes the largely rural area of Pickering township north of 401
and west of Brock Road.
St. Georges Pickering
St. Georges is located off highway 2 in the village of Pickering. It serves the area north of
401 and east of Brock Road.
St. Georges has been located on the present site 100 years. The original building is still
standing but is not used. A new building was constructed in 1959 but is in only fair condition,
with limited facilities.
"
Baptist Churches
"41.
b) Baptist Churches
Fellowship Baptist Churches
There are three Fellowship Baptist Churches serving the study area: These are located on
Map lc as following: 1) Bayfair Baptist (old site) 1A) Bayfair Baptist (new site)
2) Ajax Baptist 3) Pickering Beach. Both Bayfair and Pickering Beach churches are in
the process of relocation and as such are perhaps going through a difficult transition
state.
Bayfair Baptist
. location- West Shore
. congregation - 83
. has increased since 1967
. physical condition- fair
Bayfair congregation is in the process of relocation on a new site with new facilities.
The old Bayfair Baptist Thurch is located in south West Shore. This site is in the process of
being sold to the Metro Toronto Conservation Authority who owns the lands south to the lake.
The new church will be located on a 5 acre site between highway 2 and 401 west of Fairport
Road.
Although the present congregation is only 83 members and 60 adherents, it is the only
Baptist congregation in the study area to have increased since 1967 and the new church is
being built to accommodate 350.
At present, there are the regular church groups using Bayfairs facilities, however,
with the construction of the new church there are two possibilities.
1) increased use because of new larger facilities 2) decreased use due to an access
problem. This latter proposition must be considered
"
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"42.
due to the separating effect the 401 will have between the populated southern areas and
the new site. This could have serious effect on the accessibility of the church for children
and elderly people living south of 401. Alternately the new site will increase accessibility for
the future developing subdivisions north of 401.
Ajax Baptist
. location - outside of Ajax
. size of congregation- 55 people
. decreased since 1967
. seating capacity 200
. physical condition- good to excellent
Ajax Baptist Church is located north of 401 just outside the present eastern town limits of
Ajax. The service area of this church includes the town of Ajax, Village of Pickering and an
area running west on the north side of 401. Despite this rather large area with its increasing
population, the congregation of Ajax Baptist is small and decreasing. The facilities are in
generally good to excellent condition and are used by a limited number of church and
community groups.
The relative lack of activity could be the result of two factors: 1) the church is not readily
accessible, being as one person explained "" in the middle of a farmer's field"".
This situation may change as the area becomes incorporated in the new Town of Ajax in
1974 and residential growth could be anticipated in the area; and 2) there is at present no
pastor at the church although an appointment is expected.
"
"43.
Pickering Beach Community Church
. location- Pickering Beach
. congregation- 46 people
. decreased since 1967
. seating capacity - 100
. physical condition- fair to good
Pickering Beach Community Church is located in the present area of Pickering Beach.
The area is in the process of being acquired by the Metro Toronto Conservation Authority.
The inhabitants have been slowly moving out and with them, the support for the church has
been decreasing.
In order to build a new church the Ajax Town Council have been approached to obtain a
site somewhere in south Ajax. There have been no firm commitments to any site as yet.
Any building program for this church would involve not only building a structure, but would
also involve rebuilding the congregation.
Ajax Community Church at present has a very small congregation, which participate in the
usual church group programmes. There are no community groups who use the facilities.
Convention Baptist
There are no Convention Baptist Churches or sites in the detailed study area.
There are three churches in the north part of the study area, located in Whitevale,
Green River and Claremont. ( See Map lc).
"
Churches Of Other Denominations
"44.
c) Church of Christ
Cedar Park Church of Christ ( Map 1 g)
. location- Ajax
. congregation- 165 people
. increased since 1967
. seating capacity- 200
. physical condition- good
Cedar Park Church is located in north Ajax just above the 401. It is a very large service
area including all of south Pickering extending into Scarboro and towards Oshawa.
Despite this it has a relatively small congregation of 65 members and 100 adherents.
The church is in good condition and is located in an attractive site adjacent to a park.
There are a number of church groups using the facilities, but no community groups.
d) Evangelical Lutheran Church ( Map 1 g)
Peace Lutheran
. location- Bay Ridges
. congregation - 150 people
. increased since 1967
. seating capacity 150
. physical condition- good
Peace Lutheran Church is located in Bay Ridges on Liverpool Road just south of Bayley
Road. This is an excellent location with good access from all directions for service to the
entire southern area of Pickering township.
Its congregation of 50 members and 100 adherents are actively involved in various church
oriented groups. The church also supplies space to Boy Scouts, Cubs, weight watchers
and the County Health Unit.
Facilities are housed in one large building which is in generally good condition.
"
"45.
e) Pentecostal
There are two Pentecostal Churches in the study area which are located on Map 1 g. Ajax
Pentecostal Church
. location - Ajax
. congregation- 120
. increased since 1967
. seating capacity - 320
. physical condition – good
Ajax Pentecostal Church is located centrally in Ajax at the corner of Emperor Street and
Burcher Road. From this location the church serves a rather small congregation of around
100 living in the town of Ajax and Bay Ridges. The congregation has increased since 1967.
The building is in good to excellent condition with a larger seating capacity than it appears
the congregation requires.
It supports the usual Sunday School, children, youth and adult groups but no community
groups.
Bayview Church
Bayview is located in West Shore on Oklahoma Drive.
f) Presbyterian Churches
There are three Presbyterian Churches in Pickering Township. They are 1) St. Timothy,
Ajax, 2) St. Andrews, Pickering Village and 3) Grace, West Rouge. (See Map 1 d) Only
St. Timothys and St. Andrew's are in the study area as Grace Presbyterian is oriented
towards Scarboro and will indeed be in Scarborough under new regional government.
Descriptions of the other two are contained below.
"
Presbyterian Churches
"46.
St. Timothy's
. location - Ajax
. congregation- 185 people
. increased since 1967
. seating capacity- 200
. physical condition- poor to good
St. Timothy's church is located in Ajax at 97 Burcher Road. The church services quite a
large area including the town of Ajax and Bay Ridges and the congregation has been
increasing. It seems that the congregation uses the facilities quite extensively for church
groups, with there being a total of 21 such groups. Outside community groups use the
facilities when required and when time is available.
The building is attractive but individual facilities are only rated as in poor-good condition
and may not be of adequate size in the future.
St. Andrew's
. location - Pickering Village
. congregation - 230 people
. increased since 1967
. seating capacity- 160
. physical condition- excellent
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church is located on the main street of Pickering Village,
north of highway 2. Its service area includes not only the village of Pickering,
but the whole township to the north, east and west. It has a fairly large membership that is
increasing and seems to participate in an active church programme.
These include 8 Sunday School groups, one each of childrens' and youth groups and 3
adult groups. Serving the community there is a week day cooperative nursery school which
operates Monday-Thursday and weekly ballet classes.
The building has quite extensive facilities that are in excellent condition.
"
Roman Catholic Churches
"47.
g) Roman Catholic Churches
There are three Roman Catholic churches located in the study area and 1 site.
They are located on Map 1 e as follows: 1) St. Francis 2) St. Bernadette 3)
Holy Redeemer 4) site.
Holy Redeemer
. location- West Shore
. congregation- 3500
. increased since 1967
. seating capacity - 653
. physical condition- excellent
Holy Redeemer Roman Catholic Church is located in the extreme north-west corner of
West Shore. This does not seem to be a very accessible location at first glance.
However, if the proposed Lawrence Avenue extension is implemented which would join
Bayley Road to Lawrence Avenue in West Rouge, it is quite logical to assume that the
roadway would pass right by Holy Redeemer's site, putting it on a major east-west arterial
and therefore an excellent location.
The congregation is as is the case with all the Roman Catholic churches in the area,
very large and increasing with 3500 members and 1300 adherents, serving 800 families.
This congregation is drawn from the areas of Bay Ridges, West Shore and north of highway
2 up to highway 7.
The church has been recently constructed and is of course in excellent condition.
When considering facilities, you must also consider its three associated separate schools.
However, the church itself has good facilities, including assembly rooms and a gym.
"
"48.
Groups using these facilities include one Sunday School group, two youth groups,
two adult groups, plus the St. Vincent de Paul Conference, Altar Society and the
Cursillo Movement. Since the church is relatively new, I think it can be assumed that the
number of groups and activities that use its facilities will increase substantially in the future.
St. Bernadette's Parish
. location- Ajax
. congregation- 3500
. increased since 1967
. seating capacity - 600
. physical condition- excellent
St. Bernadette's is strategically located in the heart of Ajax on a five acre site at the corner
of Harwood Avenue south of Bayley Road. As such it is located in an excellent position to
serve the town of Ajax.
St. Bernadette is a large well established church with a congregation of 800 families
which is anticipated to increase in the future as it has in the past.
A parish school shares the large site and provides complimentary facilities to the church.
In general these facilities are in fair to good condition but does not seem to be used
extensively by congregational or community groups. Senior citizens and pre schoolers
meet in the rectory and Sunday School groups are at the school. Youth groups from the
church use the community centre facilities and there are no adult groups.
"
"49.
St. Francis de Salles
St. Francis is located on Church Street in Pickering Village.
This is the oldest of the three Roman Catholic churches in the study area
and like the others has its own parish school as well as a new rectory.
St. Francis serves the village of Pickering and the surrounding rural areas to the north-east.
None of these churches seem to be extensively involved in providing facilities for community
use.
The only site in the area is the former St. Mary's Mission in Rosebank.
I would assume that this site does not have much future potential for church construction.
h) Salvation Army
The only Salvation Army Hall in the area is located on Kings Crescent in Ajax.
(See Map 1 g)
k) United Churches ( See Map 1 f)
There are nine United Churches located in Pickering Township;
1) Brougham United Church 2) Mount Zion United 3) Greenwood United
4) Pickering United 5) St. Paul's United 6) Fairport United
7) Dunbarton United ( burned) 8) Cherrywood United 9) Whitevale United.
The Brougham, Mount Zion, Greenwood, Whitevale and Cherrywood United Churches are
located outside the detailed study area and are largely rural congregations. As such,
they are not of prime concern for the purposes of this study. The following churches are
located in the detailed study area.
"
United Churches
"50.
Pickering United Church
. location- Pickering Village
. congregation - 700
. increased since 1967
. seating capacity- 200
. physical condition- excellent
Pickering United Church is located in the Village of Pickering on Kingston Road east of
Church Street and serves an area which is largely defined by the Village boundaries.
It is a large active, well established church, with an increasing congregation and an active
Sunday School program.
Located centrally in the village, the church provides space for a good number of activities to
take place. These include 1) children's groups including Guides and Brownies,
2) youth groups 3) adult and community groups including Senior Citizens' Club,
Hooking Club, diet workshop, blood donors clinic and ladies keep-fit club.
The structure is not new, but is in excellent condition.
St. Paul's United
. location - Ajax
. congregation 0 825
. increased since 1967
. seating capacity- 300
. physical condition- good
St. Paul's United Church is located centrally in Ajax and at 65 Kings Crescent.
It appears to be a well established church with a large and increasing congregation.
The service area of the church includes the entire town of Ajax as well as parts of
Bay Ridges and West Shore which has good access to it by way of Bayley Road.
The facilities are used by three Sunday School groups, one childs group,
"
"51.
4 youth groups, 4 adult groups as well as pre-natal classes and weight watchers.
A day care centre also operates from this church.
All facilities are in good or excellent condition except the washrooms which are in fair
condition.
Dunbarton United
. location- Dunbarton
. congregation- 150 people
. decreased since 1967
. seating capacity - 220
. physical condition- burned out
Dunbarton United Church is located at 1066 Dunbarton
Road just west of Dixie Road. As such it has good access from any part of the area via
Kingston Road and the main north-south roads. Unfortunately the buildings were completely
destroyed by fire recently. Before its destruction, the church served an area north of highway
401 to Finch Avenue between Rosebank Road and Brock Road.
Although the church had a moderate and decreasing congregation, it is anticipated that the
area it formerly served will be extensively developed in the future with quite a large
population. This must be considered in any relocation or building program.
The church had no adult or community groups using its facilities.
Fairport United
. location- Bay Ridges
. congregation 75 people
. decreased since 1967
. seating capacity - 100
. physical condition- fair
Fairport United Church is the sister church of Dunbarton United. It is a portable building
located in Bay Ridges at the corner of Douglas and Old Orchard Road. It
"
"52.
serves the population of Bay Ridges and West Shore as well as serving the congregation of
Dunbarton United since its destruction. It has a small and declining congregation.
The facilities are limited in nature and are only in poor to fair condition.
Although there are Sunday School groups and youth groups, there are no adult groups or
community groups that use the facilities on a regular basis.
"
"53.
PART 5- IMPLICATIONS FOR THE CHURCH
The following section is a set of very general statements which have been implied by
research and consultation for this study. It is hoped that the reader will be able to draw
many more specific implications for his particular field of interest.
1. The existing number and distribution of churches is insufficient to serve the expected
population in south Pickering and Ajax. The "" Church"" must immediately
proceed towards a programme of building and relocation which will be able to serve the
expected ultimate populations.
2. The ""Church"" must establish a set of goals for itself in the community together with a
set of criteria for establishing these goals. There should not be a rigid set of rules, but rather,
flexible guidelines that would help both church people and municipal officials
to, first of all, become aware of what the "" Church"" wishes to accomplish, and secondly to
help them incorporate the "" Church"" into the community on a rationally planned
basis in coordination with other group goals and criteria. It is only after goals have been
established, that a viable set of criteria for church location can be considered.
3. The ""Church"" should not duplicate facilities and programmes which are already in
existence, but should try to direct energies towards providing distinctive types of
leadership in the community and Christian oriented creative use of leisure.
"
"54.
4. Use tax supported facilities for church programmes when possible to minimize the
financial load on new forming congregations.
"
Pickering Township
Census Tract Boundaries, 1971
Pickering Township Special Areas
Regional Map
Existing Land Use
Future Land Use - Projections