First, the most important…

First, the most important thing to do to protect and increase the Greenbelt is to abolish MZOs. Nothing, no order from any minister, should be able to override the existing protections, which were thoughtfully put in place, with consultation with environmental experts.
NO development should be permitted on the Greenbelt, or on lands adjoining the Greenbelt. The Greenbelt should be expanded, not shrunk. Sensitive habitats (wetlands, scrublands, forests, meadows, rivers, streams, ponds) are threatened by development not only in or on them, but also anywhere near them. We are seeing untrammelled development very close to Greenbelt lands that are supposed to be protected. Damage to watersheds and the habitats of plants, animals, birds, insects is inevitable. Don't listen to those who will tell you that they can construct a new wetland if they pave over the one they want to build houses and outlet malls on: it's not actually possible to do this. Bio-offsetting is a myth. That being the case, expand the greenbelt to increase protection around presently protected areas. Make the whole thing bigger. Protect farmland as well as habitats. If we pave over fields where will our food come from?
We absolutely don't need more housing developments with enormous energy-guzzling houses on tiny lots, situated far from jobs, shops, libraries, post offices, etc. It's those kinds of developments that lead politicians to want to revive Hwy 413, a bad idea from the beginning, as the former government recognized when it shelved the project. We cannot allow any erosion of the protection of the environment. This is the only planet we've got. Politicians must make their mark on history by protecting the land we all depend on for life, not by participating in its destruction. The Greenbelt was established to ensure that that too-small area got at least some permanent protection. The time to increase that protection and extend its area is now.