I am opposed to the proposed…

I am opposed to the proposed changes to the Greenbelt Plan that would remove or redesignate 15 areas of land and add lands in the Paris Galt Moraine area, and redesignate lands in the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan.

One cannot simply take land away from one area and by adding land to another area, and expect that to mitigate the original loss of land to the Greenbelt. This proposal would create fragmented land pieces which creates enormous problems for wildlife. Wildlife needs to have a contiguous "belt" of land through which it can move. Thus encouraging the stability of the wildlife. A Greenbelt by its very name is not a "belt" if it is being broken up into separate and distinct land areas.

The Greenbelt provides natural infrastructure that helps reduce flooding, forest fires, and heat waves. The Greenbelt protects at-risk species and ecosystems, and provides public health benefits through added greenspace and access to nature. The Greenbelt must stay protected!

The amount of land already designated for development far exceeds what is needed to meet long-range housing targets. That includes 86,500 acres within the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area alone.

I am opposed to Bill 23 and the various proposals contained within it. Also, I am opposed to the proposed regulatory changes associated with this legislation as noted above.

In particular, my concerns are:

Timing of the Bill. The government has chosen to release this bill as councils were dissolving and new terms were yet to begin. I would like to see the comment period extended and proper consultation undertaken with the municipalities.

Impacted Lands. This bill and the proposed regulations would have application to all lands in Ontario, regardless of suitability for development or ability to meet the goals of this government for more homes faster. This bill should focus on urban residential lands that have servicing and existing infrastructure. This is consistent with the definition “parcels of urban residential land” already being used for additional residential units.

Site Plan Control. Changes to the Planning Act Section 41 (1.2) remove site plan control from lands with less than 10 units and the ability for a municipality to control landscaping. I would like to see site plan control be retained for rural and waterfront land and that landscaping remain a tool at the disposal of the municipality on these lands.

Appeal Rights. It is crucially important in a strong, healthy democracy that, in municipal planning matters, there is a right for taxpayers to appeal decisions. This government’s proposal to remove the rights of taxpayers and landowners to appeal planning decisions removes one of the checks and balances in the system – holding staff and councils accountable for upholding their policies and ensuring that the environment on which we depend is protected for future generations. I would like to see third party appeal rights remain for all municipal planning matters.

Housing Supply. There have been a significant number of housing units that have already received draft approval. I would like to see the focus be on what has already been approved to reduce red tape and accomplish the goal of more houses with what is already in the works.

Heritage Properties. Requiring designation of all listed properties within two years will create a significant burden on smaller municipalities to preserve cultural heritage. I would like to see that the proposed requirement that a property meet two or more of the criteria prescribed in regulation to be designated, and the proposed requirement to designate all listed properties within two years, be deleted.

I would like to see Bill 23, (SO 2022, c.21 ) and the associated proposed regulations be repealed or revoked.