The Oak Ridges Moraine…

The Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act has provided protection of this important ecological and hydrological land for over 21 years and there is no reason to remove any of this land from protection now. Given there are 86,500 acres of development ready land outside the ORMCA and the Greenbelt, none of the 7400 acres to be removed from protection are needed for housing.
The ORM land is used to clean the air, provide drinking water, support diverse wildlife, pollinators and provides recreation for Ontarians. We hike, xcountry ski, ride trail bikes, dirt bikes, ATV and ORV's, hunt and fish on this land. Our First Nations of the Mississauga, Anishnaabek and Chippiwa, also known as the Williams Treaty First Nation do not want this land removed from protection. Deputy Chief James (JimBob) Marsden stated that clearly in his address to Bill 23 protestors in Port Hope On Nov.18. He also does not accept the land swap being offered.
The people of Ontario expect permanent protection for this land, the certainty of our agricultural land base, and the ecological and hydrological features and functions of the ORM. We need to protect our water resources and the carbon sinks ORM forests provide. This has not changed and continues to become more critical as we deal with the effects of climate change. The need for more housing does not take away from the greater need of maintaining this land and its benefits for generations to come. Once any government starts to eat away at the ORM, it weakens the lands' ability to provide continuous natural land form and the quality and quantity of water it provided the hundreds of thousands of southern Ontario residents and businesses. Protecting this land is even more important as our population grows, as we will need more clean water, more carbon sink, more recreation areas, and the preservation of our wildlife and their habitat. Urbanization should not occur on this land, not now and not ever. This land should only be used for uses that maintain ,improve or restore the ecological and hydrological functions of the ORM. Building homes is contrary to those stated uses. I live on the Oak Ridges Moraine in Northumberland County and depend on well water. You cannot build on or over well head protected land nor land that is highly vulnerable to groundwater contamination. We had a level 2 drought in 2016 when wells went dry on the ORM. If we don't have water our homes are useless. This land is not needed for development and must be preserved for all future generations. Do not continue to break our trust. Leave the Oak Ridges Moraine land alone.