After an initial suggestion…

After an initial suggestion to open the Greenbelt for development, the PC party of Ontario realized this was a very unpopular proposal. The Ford government then promised not to touch the Greenbelt during its election campaigns. Now they have changed their policy with Bill 23 using unwarranted “Shock Doctrine” tactics. This is clearly an unforgivable broken promise. It is further damaged by well founded assertions that this was influenced by developers who may also have been tipped off. The whole process is tarnished by the facts and assertions.
Then, to placate the opposition they propose to add other lands to the Greenbelt. Lands that are going to be unprotected and should have been protected on their own not as trade off for other land.
I have not read any reports that the housing will cater to affordable houses for the lower and middle income families. It seems business as usual where high priced “monster” homes, accessible only to the wealthy will be built to increased profit for developers.
This legislation paves the way for future destruction of other protected lands such as wetlands, in particular. Conservation authorities’ roles may be weakened and public consultations decreased.
There is much unused brownfield land that could be developed.
The areas chosen are not where public transportation and commercial amenities are easily accessed. There is little regard for development which takes into account the stresses of climate change.
Stop Bill 23.