Thank you for the…

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Ontario government’s proposal to expand the existing Greenbelt with a Bluebelt to better protect our province’s water resources. Food and water are the necessities of life. We are fortunate in southern Ontario to have rare, rain-fed agricultural soils and an abundance of fresh water, but these resources are not infinite. Make no mistake; they are under attack.

Analysts suggest the population of the Greater Golden Horseshoe region will grow almost 50% to 13.5 million people by 2041. Unless we act now to protect our fresh water, fertile soils and the ecology that sustain them, they will be in short supply... and our grandchildren will blame us for failing to act when we had the chance.

It's not just the water bottling industry that threatens our water supply; aggregate and mining operations that blast into our aquifers and water tables are equally harmful. Just as we must limit commercial bottling operations, so too we must put an end to the squandering of billions of litres associated with aggregate production, even as we confront the harsh realities of climate change. Ontario will not be exempt from stresses on food-producing regions, like many other parts of the world. By taking the necessary steps to protect our water and lands, Ontario could become one of the world’s food providers as other nations suffer through the extremes of global warming.

It is imperative that Ontario takes the necessary steps to ensure we have enough food and water for future food security and economic viability. Now is the time to strengthen and expand the Greenbelt and define the Bluebelt so more of our agricultural lands and water resources are preserved for generations to come. Make this a legacy for Ontario.

Thank you, in advance, for having the courage and foresight to do the right thing by expanding the Greenbelt and defining the Bluebelt.

[Original Comment ID: 213414]