Greenbelt Development I am…

Greenbelt Development

I am distressed at the plan to permit development within the Greenbelt when there is already a good supply of lots available for new housing. Development should not encourage urban sprawl with its need for new roads and urban infrastructure. This expansion is most unfortunate given that the Premier promised that the Greenbelt would not be touched. This will contribute to increasing cynicism regarding the honesty of politicians.

Parkland Requirement Reduction

The proposal to cut in half the amount of parkland that developers must allocate to new development is most unfortunate given that the vertical nature of new condo developments increases the need for more common space.

Conservation

The proposed limitation of the role of conservation authorities is distressing as they have an important role in managing watersheds.

Climate Change

Tighter, not looser, environmental standards are needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from new construction.

Protection of Cultural Heritage Resources

The proposed changes to the Ontario Heritage Act will make it more difficult (if not virtually impossible) for municipalities to identify and protect their heritage resources using their heritage registers. In Toronto, heritage planning staff will be put in an impossible situation from the standpoint of increased workload!