Proposed Amendments to the…

Proposed Amendments to the Greenbelt Plan

I am deeply concerned and opposed to the changes that are planned for the Greenbelt. As the climate crisis worsens we need to create stronger protections for Ontario wetlands, especially those that are part of the Greenbelt. As close to three-quarters of Southern Ontario's wetlands have already been replaced by agriculture and urban encroachment we need to work harder to protect the swamps and bogs that remain. Wetlands are important natural tools that capture carbon and combat climate change.(1) We need to protect them. It is appalling that the Ontario government is planning to develop wetlands that have already been promised protection in the Greenbelt.

It is true that we have a housing crisis in Ontario but new housing needs to be built where existing infrastructure exists, increasing density and protecting against sprawl. Bill 23 and the changes it proposes to the Greenbelt would commit Ontario to decades more low-density sprawl, which is ultimately less affordable, more ecologically damaging, and less economically viable. Once you build on precious carbon-capturing wetlands and valuable farmland, you can't go back. The Greenbelt was made to ensure that these lands would be protected from development.

This proposed legislation is irredeemable, and I urge the committee to do all it can to scrap it and start over.

Sincerely,
Rachel

(1) Canada's swamps are the secret weapon to fighting climate change, say experts May 12, 2021. by Brandie Weikle. https://www.cbc.ca/radio/whatonearth/canada-s-swamps-are-the-secret-wea…