Comments on Changes to…

Comments on Changes to Ontario Greenbelt, 2022

Full disclosure: I am not now, never have been, have no plans to become a member of any political party, nor run for political office of any kind. I am also not a member of any environmental group, although I do receive emails from some groups.

On November 4, 2022, Housing Minister Steve Clark of Doug Ford’s Ontario Conservative Party government announced changes to Ontario’s Protected Greenbelt. This would add 9,400 acres of new protected lands, but removing 7,400 acres of currently protected lands.

This is in contrast to their position before the last provincial election and statements made by Mr. Clark, last year, where he claimed that no land would be developed. There were no plans to remove or trade any lands.

“I want to be clear. We will not in any way entertain any proposals that will move lands in the Greenbelt, or open the Greenbelt lands to any kind of development.”

CTV News article, November 4, 2022, Minister Steve Clark quoted from an earlier story.

While his words sound apologetic and surprised, he didn’t really seem bothered by being called out for going back on his word.
But here we are today. Now, it turns out that he has not told the truth, or has gone back on his promise, and that lands currently protected are at risk.

While I applaud the addition of 9,400 acres being added to the Greenbelt, I just wonder how long those lands with be protected. Before Mr. Ford’s first election to premier in 2018, he promised the same thing: no development of the Greenbelt, however he was caught telling developers that they would be opening up land for development.

Environmentalists fear Greenbelt open for development following Ford government's proposed changes to planning act | TheSpec.com, 2018

In addition, today Mr. Ford announced that he has ordered the city of Hamilton to expand the urban boundary, despite the express wishes of the majority of Hamilton residents and city staff.

Province orders Hamilton to expand urban boundary | TheSpec.com

Premier Ford also does not wish to impose the carbon tax.

Ford 'going to pursue' carbon tax challenge to Supreme Court | CBC News

He has since backed off on this, apparently and wants to work with the federal government on climate change initiatives, but given his past record on green initiatives, I find it hard to take seriously.

Ontario government loses carbon-pricing fight and now wants to work with Ottawa to battle climate change | The Star

He has gutted the powers of the Conservation Authorities throughout the province. An authority charged with preserving and protecting the environment.

Doug Ford is gutting Ontario conservation authorities | The Narwhal

He has taken environmental assessments away from municipalities and is in the process of giving Mayors more power to override planning departments, remove planning red tape and environmental concerns and assessments.

Strong mayor powers coming to more large Ontario cities in a year, Ford says | CBC News

Where does it end?

I believe that, given Premier Ford’s penchant for development and his love for land developers and what I personally believe is his disdain for environmental protection, he would not be satisfied until every inch of arable land from Fort Erie to London and Kitchener, east to Kingston and north to Barrie is completely paved over, and end up with a Greenbelt up around Kakabeka Falls or Fraserdale. The whole idea of the Greenbelt was to locally produce food and allow green spaces for all to enjoy.

You can understand my concerns with the truthfulness of this government, and its commitment to the environment and Greenbelt protection. I honestly believe that this current government cannot be trusted with making sensible and environmentally friendly decisions. I strongly believe that no land in the Greenbelt is safe from development under this current government. Where will it end?

I urge the government to add the proposed 94,000 acres and reject the removal of the 7,400 acres. Find areas that are not environmentally sensitive to build homes and encourage businesses and industry to build in those areas, instead of stressing the already highly urbanised areas.

Citing articles are in the supporting documents.