As a concerned citizen of…

As a concerned citizen of Ontario and Hamilton resident, I am strongly against the Provincial Government's Proposed Amendments to the Greenbelt Plan. On February 28, 2005, the Greenbelt Act protected 2 million acres of prime agricultural and ecologically sensitive lands from urban development. Responding to the climate change crisis and the need to protect Ontario's prime farmlands, wetlands, river valleys, and other ecologically sensitive areas, the Greenbelt Act of 2005 was a forward-thinking piece of legislation passed for the benefit of future generations. Today, Greenbelt protection is more urgent than ever to ensure future food security, climate resilience, protection/enhancement of biodiversity, protection of wetlands/surface & groundwater systems. Furthermore, we are currently experiencing an unprecedented climate emergency. To help combat climate change, the Province needs to be promoting the creation of more compact, complete communities rather than fueling outward expansion through the conversion of existing Greenbelt lands into urban uses. Lastly, urban sprawl comes with considerable financial ramifications, and will be a burden upon municipal taxpayers, such as those living in Hamilton, who will be saddled with the costs of expanding its municipal services and infrastructure. For the sake of all Ontarians, and for the future of our shared environment, I urge the Provincial Government to halt all Proposed Amendments to the Greenbelt Plan.