Former college president Gary Polonsky named advisor for Pickering Lands

Dr. Gary Polonsky, who led Durham College as president for almost two decades, has been named independent advisor for the economic development of the Pickering Lands. 

Polonsky’s appointment by Lisa Raitt, federal Minister of Transport, was announced in Pickering on July 31. The lands and their future use have been a topic of discussion in Durham Region since the federal government expropriated land in north Pickering for an airport in 1972. In his role as advisor, Polonsky will meet with a wide range of stakeholders across the Greater Toronto Area to gain feedback and input on the economic development potential of the lands, including a potential airport.

Polonsky, who was president of Durham College between 1988 and 2006, is expected to deliver a report on his findings by June 2016.