Please reconsider the…

Please reconsider the proposed amendments as follows:

A. More flexibility for aggregate extraction. We have sufficient aggregate to carry us through the next 50 years. This amendment puts the most vulnerable species of plants and animals currently at risk, at more risk. Alternative: Aggregate recycling is an innovative, progressive approach to aggregates and is currently in practice in other jurisdictions. There is no need to further destroy our natural environment for the benefit of the building industry.

B. Increase planning horizon. This amendment opens the door to more and larger urban boundary expansions and makes forecasting for population employment more difficult. This is a huge concern in Hamilton, ON where our city council is all too eager to expand the urban boundary due to pressure from developers.

C. Modifications to Population and Employment Growth Forecasts. This will allow municipalities to use the higher forecast numbers, which will lead to more costly infrastructure investment and over-designation of land for population growth that may not occur. Correct and accurate forecasting is very important to preserve our natural environment -- building for the growth that is likely to occur as opposed to unnecessary growth.