I am very concerned with…

I am very concerned with further weakening of what remains of Ontario’s planning rules, with the proposed Provincial Policy Statement, and the removal of the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe altogether.

I would applaud intensification done with good planning. Of great concern to me is the weakening of intensification targets and other measures that will limit the creation of inclusive, and complete, walkable communities that offer affordable housing and provide ready access to services and to parks and nature. When viewed by the eyes of a child, senior, or one with physical handicaps, and planned for them, communities become liveable for everyone.

I am concerned that housing will be created that is not conducive to the creation of community and will be out of the reach for only the well-off.

I would applaud improved watershed and flood management, and any increase to the Greenbelt and other natural areas with increased linkages among them, rather their fragmentation. I would applaud measures that help agriculture rather than fragmentation of farmland which in turn threatens the viability of agriculture in the Province.

I am concerned about the removal of protections to environmentally sensitive lands, the mandated opening up of land within the Greenbelt and in many other rural areas for development and unchecked sprawl. The result will be increases in CO2 and other noxious chemicals in the air and water; loss of their moderating effect on temperatures; and increased flood risk. Further more there will be increased food insecurity and higher food prices, with greater malnutrition and hunger.

The loss of agricultural land is a major loss to Ontario’s economy and to the world’s food supply. The loss of agricultural lands includes the loss of their woodlots, and wetlands. Their loss along with the loss of green spaces exacerbates the climate crisis with its increasingly severe weather events, putting our health, our lives, and homes at risk.

I expect that Ontario Government to work for the betterment of Ontario, all that live here and for the improvement of our health and wellbeing. The environment has a huge impact on our health and safety and so would expect the Provincial Government to protect, value and improve our natural environment. Go back to the drawing board!