Thank you for the…

Thank you for the opportunity to submit comments on the Proposed Amendments to the Greenbelt Plan.

I am unequivocally against amendments to the Greenbelt Plan that will result in the removal of lands from protected areas. Preservation of critical natural heritage is essential as we face 21st-century challenges including climate change. The ecological value of the proposed Greenbelt lands earmarked for development likely exceeds any perceived short-term socioeconomic gains. Additionally, the idea of a net gain in protected lands is misleading. Missing from this proposal is an objective, science-based evaluation that clearly demonstrates benefits and drawbacks.

On several occasions, the Government of Ontario stated that they would not open up the Greenbelt to development. The government's disregard for constituents calling for Greenbelt conservation and preservation is deeply concerning. The housing crisis will not be solved by short-sighted development. Ontario is ours to protect for current and future generations. I urge the government to protect the Greenbelt by rescinding the Proposed Amendments to the Greenbelt Plan.