I do not wish to see lands…

I do not wish to see lands removed from the existing Greenbelt. Those lands were designated in 2005, less than 20 years ago. It is a shame that the government believes protecting land is a short-term endeavour. There is no mention in this proposal of what kinds of housing the Greenbelt land would be used for, or that it would even help with affordability which is one of the main issues driving the housing crisis. I believe this plan is not well thought out and we will be giving up more than we will be getting. Also, many Greenbelt lands help to prevent flooding, which is becoming more and more of a concern as climate change is nearing irreversible damage. This is not the time to be giving up designated land, this is the time to be protected it. I understand he wishes to add to the Greenbelt elsewhere, but it is designated in places that are already dense and developed and having green space is incredibly important for not only humans, but all biodiversity. Giving up so many parcels in places that are already developed will result in less access to green space. The current proposal only adds green space in one area which will limit how many people use the green space and will not support biodiversity in our plants and animals in the same way that many parcels of land spread over an area can. There are many places to build housing and many creative housing solutions that avoid disrupting the Greenbelt. Doug Ford promised Ontarians that he would protect the land. The housing crisis has not changed so much since his promise in 2018. He is seeking a short term solution with long term, damaging implications for the land and for the people who live on it and around it. Protect the Greenbelt, build affordable housing elsewhere.