Thank you for the…

Thank you for the opportunity to share comments regarding the proposed amendments to the Greenbelt Area boundary.

First, I’d like to say that I agree with your government’s goal of ‘more homes built faster’. It is the strategy that you’re proposing that concerns me.

There is significant evidence that ample land for urban development already exists in municipalities in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, and more broadly Golden Horseshoe-area municipalities. The goal of building more homes faster is laudable, however, it must be framed within the broader context of climate change. Protecting Ontario’s Greenbelt, our Greenbelt, was an astute decision in 2005, and continues to be a wise decision in 2022 and beyond. Our Greenbelt cleans our air, filters our water, protects our native plants and animals, and of course helps to feed Ontarians. It is a crucial component, or should be a crucial component of Ontario’s climate action strategies. Building, principally large single-family homes in the Greenbelt is the antithesis to effective climate action.

I encourage you to look at the type of development proposed for Toronto’s Downsview Airport (https://www.treehugger.com/plan-build-15-minute-city-wins-design-award-…) as an example of sustainable development that will benefit all Ontarians.