I am in full support of…

I am in full support of expanding the existing Greenbelt to Brant County, Waterloo, Guelph-Wellington, and Dufferin and Simcoe Counties. The Crombie Report recommended the inclusion previously. More than 1 million new residents are expected to live in these areas by 2041. This growth will place tremendous pressure on our water resources, most areas relying on groundwater.

Urbanization and human activities can negatively impact water features, affecting their functions, and causing water quality and quantity issues. Protective legislation for our water resources will help ensure the long-term success of this region.

Even though The Regional Municipality of Waterloo has been a leader in water conservation and protecting environmentally sensitive landscapes, additional protection of these valuable resources is advantageous.

Waterloo Region should have the same protections as other rapidly growing municipalities helping limit urban sprawl, protecting our water sources and mitigating pressures of climate change.

Since Waterloo Region already has strong protective measures in the Regional Official Plan, it is essential that new regulations not mitigate those in existence. The stronger of the two should apply if any conflict or ambiguity arises.

I am asking that you support the expansion of the Greenbelt into all the proposed regions.

[Original Comment ID: 212263]