20M
Canadians live within reach of the park region
A legacy for all Canadians
Expand the Rouge
The New Rouge National Urban Park is a once in lifetime opportunity to protect the Pickering Lands — a vast, publicly owned landscape of forests, lakes, and some of the best farmland in the world.
8,765
acres of federal land that still needs protecting
9,900
acres of federal land that has been protected
200+
species protected, including 40+ endangered
What this project is
Together, we can build a Canadian Legacy. Together, we can build the New Rouge.
Canada is thinking big and making generational investments to improve the lives of everyday Canadians. The New Rouge National Urban Park is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to protect the Pickering Lands - a vast, publicly owned landscape of forests, lakes, and farmland in the Greater Toronto Area.
But it's more than protection. This landscape is one of the last continuous stretches of undeveloped land in the region. The New Rouge presents a rare combination of agricultural, cultural, and natural heritage, accessible to millions of Canadians by a short train ride.
Imagine a place where visitors, wildlife, farmers, and the land are interwoven. Where agriculture, hospitality, housing, and the outdoors support an integrated ecosystem. Where rural life in Canada isn't threatened, it's modernized and integrated into a growing economy.
Together, we can create the largest National Urban Park in North America, and one of the largest in the world. Together we can build The New Rouge.
Why it matters
Protect heritage, support farmers, and strengthen communities.
The campaign case is practical as well as ambitious: preserve rare land, protect species, improve public access to nature, and build long-term economic value.
Campaign priority
Connecting families to nature
Rooted in a Canadian love of the great outdoors, the New Rouge is just a short train ride away from Toronto, connecting millions to nature.
Campaign priority
Protecting Canada's best farmland.
The New Rouge will expand Rouge National Park from 9,000 acres to 18,665 acres, preventing fragmented development that would damage the landscape. We'll preserve the regions best farmland as well as natural, and cultural heritage while protecting 200 species, including 40+ endangered species.
Campaign priority
Strengthening Canada's economy
We can keep Canadian tourism dollars in Canada and attract global visitors while strengthening food security and employing thousands of Canadians in tourism, recreation, farming, and conservation.
Campaign priority
Being a global leader
The New Rouge will be one of the world's largest national urban parks, creating a blueprint for other countries to build legacy destinations that weave urban and rural life together. Denmark and other Nordic countries are already looking to implement this model on their own land.
Our Stewards
The New Rouge is rooted in the communities and farmers who have always cared for this land. They have been stewards of the Rouge landscape for generations. They are essential to its future.
Indigenous Communities
Long before it was a park, this land was a vital corridor for Indigenous peoples. Today, Indigenous communities remain the original stewards of the Rouge Valley. Our vision for the New Rouge is built on a foundation of reconciliation and shared responsibility, prioritizing Indigenous wisdom and conservation to protect the spirit of the land forever.
Farmers
The New Rouge is home to some of the rarest and most fertile Class 1 soil in the country. The farmers who tend to this land are at the forefront of its conservation, feeding and inspiring the millions of Canadians in the surrounding area. The New Rouge will create new opportunities for Canadian farmers and protect the future of farming in Canada.
Parks Canada
By bringing the Pickering Federal Lands under Parks Canada's stewardship, we will create a world-class model for what a national park can be. With Parks Canada's expertise and stewardship, the New Rouge will become an accessible attraction for millions of Canadians, rooted in environmental conservation and a love of the land.
FAQs
Have a question?
LOREM IPSUM: Add your 5-10 most important objections people would have, and address them here.
It is the campaign vision to complete and expand Rouge National Urban Park using the remaining federal lands so the park functions as one continuous, protected landscape.
The outstanding lands create a once-in-a-generation opportunity. The campaign frames this as a legacy-scale investment in nature, farming, recreation, and national pride.
A park that is chopped up by development loses ecological value, trail connections, and long-term resilience. The whole corridor is what makes the vision work.
The plan protects high-value farmland, supports agritourism, and recognizes farmers as long-term stewards of the Rouge landscape.
A core message is accessibility: the park can be reached by transit and would sit within reach of millions of Canadians living in the surrounding region.
The immediate goal is public awareness and political action. Supporters should send a letter to political leaders and help build momentum for a complete park.
Take the next step
Let your leaders know that the New Rouge is a legacy worth protecting
Send a letter now and help make it a reality.
Your voice matters.