Taking away 7, 400 acres of…

Taking away 7, 400 acres of land from the greenbelt is a poor decision during the era of climate change. I understand Ontario wants to grant more affordable homes so that more of us can share the dream of raising a family and living close to the GTA. As a young professional that recently graduated from the University of Toronto I wonder if I can afford to live in the GTA due to high housing costs. However cutting away the greenbelt is like throwing your food and fresh water overboard in a ship so you can sail faster.

The costs from releasing more emissions into the atmosphere from the fuel sources these homes will burn to heat or cool their homes during our harsh seasons is something we are all going to pay for. The loss of forested land to sequester carbon is also of importance to consider. The "Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative" stated last year that Ontario communities will spend $276 million over the next five years to decrease coastal damage from climate change. Not to mention the rising food costs we have seen while this plan will get rid of agricultural land. Build more apartment buildings that are sustainable and utilize renewable energy outside of the greenbelt. Consider tackling the issue with wealthy multi-property and international buyers in the housing market. Throwing food overboard on a ship to sail faster is going to hurt us down the road, and it makes more sense to think of alternative solutions that are more sustainable for us all and the next generation.

Reference: https://capitalcurrent.ca/climate-crisis-costs-ontario-cities-projected…

https://www.schoolofcities.utoronto.ca/news/ontarios-housing-crisis-cau…