I support the legislation to…

I support the legislation to return the removed Greenbelt lands back into the greenbelt. I was very pleased to see the government change course on this poorly thought out legislation. Proper consultations with all stakeholders did not take place, and the process was tainted. What is more, is that the greenbelt was put in place to help curb urban sprawl and protect our natural areas and habitat. Changing the boundaries to encourage sprawl was antithetical to the purpose of the Greenbelt.

I would like to see within this proposal, provisions in the legislation to describe that there shall be no reduction in size of the greenbelt, or pieces removed or swapped. Those lands were placed in for a reason, and they should stay inside the greenbelt, in perpetuity. If environmentally protected land is easily removed, then it is not protected.

I would like to see in the future, a legal obligation to meaningfully consult with all stakeholders and indigenous populations on items concerning the Greenbelt.

I would also like to see better protections within the Greenbelt, that promotes habitat for species at risk, and habitat at risk. I currently farm several greenbelt properties, and am being forced to plough as much land as is physically possible on the property, at the request of the developer owners, who want to minimize any habitat that may hinder future development potential. For some reason, it becomes quite easy to develop lands that are being used agriculturally.

I would also like to see all prime agricultural land within the greenbelt placed under agricultural easement as additional protection against developments.

Finally, I would like to see any unused greenfield land within urban boundaries, be reconsidered for addition into the greenbelt. As Official Plans for Towns, townships, and regions are going through updating, more compact growth scenarios should be encouraged so as to protect more land. Sprawl is costly and environmentally degrading, and should not be the first growth scenario considered. Low density housing is also slow to build, resulting in a lack of housing supply and affordability.