Allowing this development in…

Allowing this development in the green belt could be disastrous. Flood prevention, providing habitat for beleaguered pollinators, and dwindling arable soil supplies are some key reasons for protecting the greenbelt; the main reason this proposal is a bad idea though, is because “affordable” homes in the middle of nowhere benefit no one.

There are multiple areas closer to where people work, closer to transit, closer to grocery stores, doctors and other necessities that would be infinitely more suitable locations than anywhere in the greenbelt. Interestingly, the jobs and homes will still be created whether development happens in an area that makes sense (downtown, for example) or one that doesn’t (the greenbelt sites in this proposal).

After reading the Toronto star article regarding the purchases of these “protected lands,” it is clear the only part of this proposal that should be approved is including additional lands to grow the greenbelt. If we allow private markets to slowly break it into pieces, what will be left of this vital resource for future generations? Are there no laws in place to protect green public areas from self serving politicians and unscrupulous developers?