Faced with the destruction of their community, the residents of Pickering drew on early colonial rebellions to draw attention to their plight. Instead of relying of normal means of protest, their campaign group re-enacted dramatic hangings and rousing speeches, attracting widespread media coverage. 'I've never been quite so proud of a bunch of people in my life', comments activist Annie Howes, after hundreds of women threatened to throw themselves under advancing bulldozers.

For the protestors, this was more than just a struggle against an airport. 'There was more to this argument than meets the eye' comments one man, 'simply put there seems to be a policy of de-population.' For them, this was an intensely political battle for their democratic rights.

Against all the odds the community forced the government to capitulate. But how long will this last? With Pickering weakened by de-population and increasing congestion in Ontario's existing airport, the town is now fighting off new plans for another airport.