The Greenbelt is vital to…

The Greenbelt is vital to Ontario residents in so many ways. The proposal to remove some of these lands for the purpose of development will be extremely detrimental to the ecosystem, animals and humans.

They include farmland, forests, wetlands and watersheds.
Farmlands such as the Holland Marsh contain fertile soil and produces large amounts of fruits and vegetables for human consumption.

Wetlands are a central life support system. They provide water filtration, habitat, spawning ground and shoreline protection. They provide oxygen and water vapour to the atmosphere and store carbon from the atmosphere, making them important regulators if climate change. They offer wildlife protection, a place to eat, sleep and raise their young.

Forest ecosystems provide important biodiversity habitat. They reduce pollution, fight greenhouse effect, reduce soil erosion and reduce noise pollution.

Watersheds helps to slow, filter, and store water by allowing water to be absorbed into the ground. It also improves water quality, reduces flooding, carbon storing and biodiversity.

The GTA has the largest population in Canada and for this reason, it is essential the Greenbelt is preserved. It will continue to help clean our air and water, reduce floods, and provides communities green space.

Saving the Greenbelt is not only essential for Ontarian's today, but also for future generations.

KC