The title of Bill 23 - "More…

The title of Bill 23 - "More Homes Built Faster" is an interesting attempt to distract the public from the real intent of the legislation, that being to make it easier for developers to encroach on protected lands for development. Yes, we are in need of more homes for people to live in. However, it is AFFORDABLE housing that is required, NOT mansions and monster houses. In addition, we need more homes more desperately than we need new highways that destroy very important and life supporting environments such as wetlands, watercourses and especially prime agriculture lands.

It would be appropriate to open the way for residential development that would enable our younger generations to own a home. There should be requirements included within this bill for the developers to construct houses that people can really buy today.

It is reassuring to see 9400 hectares (although the number of hectares should be much higher) being added to the Greenbelt designated a Protected areas as well as the time frame for development of the 7400 hectares being removed from the Greenbelt, that would return the areas to the Greenbelt. Acknowledgement needs to be made that many of these small parcels are adjacent to existing areas already developed as residential zones. Although, I do wonder how this will monitored and enforced with staffing being stretched beyond limits presently.

It appears that some of the 9400 hectares are already protected in that they are watercourses which naturally fall under a Protected category, so hardly a true addition to the Greenbelt.

Further, 9400 hectares is a very modest addition to the Greenbelt being located entirely in one spot. To demonstrate a serious commitment to preserving more areas as Greenbelt, it would be advisable to add substantially more hectares than 9400 to the Greenbelt. The proposed addition should be at least double (suggesting that 15,000 hectares be added) the area being removed and be a currently unprotected areas, i.e. not just watercourses or wetlands or even agriculture land.

Having spent some time reviewing the current draft of Bill 23, there is another issue within this bill that raises serious doubt about the sincerity of the Ministry to protect the Greenbelt. Giving the Minister latitude to overrule a municipalities decision, and a Ministry decision to decline an approval is unethical and morally corrupt. The province has seen the wisdom of authorizing municipalities to make decision in the best interest of their residents and community AND then with this Ministerial Zone Override rescinding that authority. If there is sufficient evidence for the municipality and the Ministry to come to a decision to decline and approval, then that should be the decision upheld by any higher authority.

Of recent years, Conservation Authorities have expanded their oversight well beyond conservation, indeed into area handled by the Environment ministry so it is reassuring that some of these duplications are being removed. This will reduce the onerous paperwork and studies that are already covered by the Ministry of Environment and eliminate studies not required and simply increase costs and lengthy time delays.

This bill requires serious attention to the real need for housing and other development as well as ensuring that the Greenbelt and all sensitive areas are appropriately assessed and protected.
Please listen to the people who care about this - the citizens who vote for smart, intelligent and honourable people to represent their interests. Development companies DO NOT vote for these representatives, therefore they have to satisfy everyday citizens that they are doing good business.