While I can appreciate the…

While I can appreciate the government's viewpoint of supporting homebuyers and catering opportunities to an ever-growing provincial population, I strongly oppose the recent proposal to increase development, particularly in rural areas. If housing and development must be expanded, it is critical that it is not done on agricultural lands. The Greenbelt was constructed with the practical intent to restrict urban sprawl and protect existing farmland. Moreover, the Greenbelt reduces the risk of floods, protects ecosystems and wildlife, supplies clean air, and supports nurturing the well-being of citizens. I have attached a link that highlights the importance of nature, specifically the Greenbelt, and how it is beneficial to humans' mental and physical health. By opening land for development in these areas, years of environmental protection efforts will be undone, jeopardizing the well-being of present and future generations.

Ontario is home to limited widespread greenspaces. It is imperative to preserve what we have left; if not for us presently, then for the sake of our future. Farmland is a finite resource, and when these lands are developed, the soils are permanently barred from their previous functionality, which has been so prevalent in the production of crops like Niagara peaches and Durham strawberries. The 2021 Canadian Census notes that Ontario is losing 319 acres of farmland each day, which is incredibly alarming for the province's future. When more farmland is lost, it becomes more difficult to produce a sufficient quantity of food to support the existing population, and the cost of living will increase significantly. This can and has exacerbated and increased existing social issues like homelessness and poverty.

I sincerely hope that the negative implications of increasing development in Ontario, specifically on agricultural lands, are considered. Thank you.