I strongly condemn the…

I strongly condemn the proposed plan to remove 7400 acres of land from the Greenbelt. This proposal goes against the very purpose of creating the Greenbelt. Although technically allowed under the provisions of the Greenbelt Act, such a land swap is not in the spirit of the Greenbelt Plan, which was implemented with the aim of protecting valuable ecological and agricultural lands and reducing urban sprawl. The government has provided no evidence that this proposed land swap will result in net benefits for the natural heritage and agricultural landscape of the province. The government has also not provided information about the amount of land proposed to be added in Urban River Valleys, much of would already be protected under other mechanisms, thus resulting in no additional ecological benefit or protection.

I am particularly concerned about the proposal to promote development of the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve, a significant tract of land that is contiguous with the federally protected land within Rouge National Urban Park. Southern Ontario has some of the most fertile farmland in Canada, but it is under increasing pressure from urbanization. The quality farmland in the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve should be kept as such to promote the existence of a vibrant farming community close to the city. For wildlife, the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve also creates a continuous ecological corridor with Rouge National Urban Park. Rouge National Urban Park is home to many species at risk and locally rare species that likely also exist in the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve. These lands also have recreational value for cyclists, runners, hikers, and horseback riders who enjoy experiencing the quiet rural landscape close to the City of Pickering.

Housing affordability is a significant issue in the GTA, but eroding the Greenbelt is not the answer. Responsible development should focus on densification of areas that already have access to municipal services and transit, rather than promoting more sprawling single family developments that force reliance on cars to move people around. New developments often focus mainly on large single family homes that are not affordable for low income families, newcomers to Canada, and first time home buyers. Without any controls on the type of housing being built, this approach will not help provide affordable housing options for those who actually need it.