In regards to the proposed…

In regards to the proposed changes to the Greenbelt Plan, and the removal of and/or resignation of 15 areas of land, I am very opposed.

Many fruits and vegetables consumed in Ontario are grown on these lands.

Those lands that are not used for agriculture are important wetlands and habitats that are home to many species of wildlife. A large number of these species are listed on the Provinces Species at risk list.

One of the major reasons for the endangerment of species is habitat loss.
To develop these lands would be a death knell for many of these delicate creatures.

The idea that other parcels of land elsewhere in the province could make up for the loss is ludicrous.
Prime agricultural land that has been blessed to us cannot simply be replicated elsewhere.
Special Biospheres cannot be simply designated by the signing of a document.

As well, these lands serve as the headwaters for the Aquifer and many streams of Southern Ontario. The forests provide assistance in our attempts to deal with Climate Change. The beautiful valleys offer corridors of travel for wildlife, and provide drainage routes for the ever increasing amounts of rainfall.

To develop any of these lands is not only short sighted, but it is irreversible.
Once developed, the damage is done.

Those who do live in Urban Areas, which in fact are the vast majority of Canadians, would be forced to travel much greater distances with their families, just to visit whatever smaller and smaller areas of Greenbelt will be left in Southern Ontario.

As a lifetime resident of the GTA, I realize that the population of Ontario is growing.
However, there are many other viable options available to be looked at in order to meet the challenge of providing both jobs, and housing in the near future.

The Proposal offered is not only antiquated, but very simplistic. It will have immediate consequences, and result in many more future problems.