I condemn this proposal in…

I condemn this proposal in the strongest possible terms. This is a completely outrageous proposal that must be abandoned if there is a shred of democratic responsibility in the present government, as there is zero electoral mandate for this proposal.

As recently as the spring of this year and on this Registry, unequivocal statements were made that "the government will not consider removals to the greenbelt" (See Registry Postings 019-4803, 019-4483, O19-4485). This proposal is a complete betrayal of trust, of previous commitments to the people of Ontario and of the Greenbelt Act, 2005 and Plan.

Given that no previous proposals for removal were to be considered, how was this proposal, which is based on discrete parcels of private land ownership, created? Which landowners did the ministry or minister's office staff consult with and when?

It's clear that a few landowners have been selected based on a closed backroom process that does not follow the directions of the Greenbelt Act and Plan itself. For example, the proposed removals include many portions of the Greenbelt Natural Heritage System. The Greenbelt Plan itself directs at Policy 3.4.5.1 b), that in the few instances where Settlement Area Boundaries may be expanded, they must "not extend into the Natural Heritage System."

The proposed rationale for removals is not credible. The criteria for amendments contained in Policy 5.6 of the Plan have not been met. There are no major unforeseen circumstances or major new Provincial Policy, legislation or regulations that create the need for an amendment to facilitate removals. The Ontario Housing Affordability Task Force in its report, which was prepared and released well in advance of the previous ERO Greenbelt Consultations cited above, that: "a shortage of land isn't the cause of the problem. Land is available, both inside the existing built-up areas and on developed land outside of the greenbelts." (p. 10 of the report). The rationale for removals presented in this posting is shamefully fallacious.

This proposal is a betrayal on every level. For the sake of our province, our land and landscapes, our environment, our future and our children and future generations, I ask in the strongest way that the unjustified removals contained in this proposal be withdrawn.