I am deeply concerned…

I am deeply concerned regarding the proposed changes to the Greenbelt. These changes will not improve housing affordability, and come with huge environmental and agricultural costs for Ontarians.

The Report of the Housing Affordability Taskforce (February 2022) stated, "a shortage of land isn’t the cause of the problem. Land is available, both inside the existing built-up areas and on undeveloped land outside greenbelts." A number of excellent suggestions were made that can help Ontario reach its goal of 1.5 million new homes, none of which require disruption of this environmentally sensitive land.

Having grown up in Niagara, I always take pride in the beautiful Golden Horseshoe, and solace in knowing that these sensitive lands are protected from rampant urban sprawl.

Removing protections could lead to short term gain, but in the long run will contribute to loss of biodiversity, loss of prime agricultural land (with negative consequences to our food supply chain and our economy), and these homes will be at an increased risk of floods and other natural disasters. I encourage the provincial government to not remove any protected land from the GreenBelt and instead, consider the suggestions from the Affordability Taskforce (attached below).

Thank you for your consideration