The Greenbelt is an unbroken…

The Greenbelt is an unbroken expanse that was designed to protect rural and agricultural livelihoods as well as to preserve vital water resources systems and ecosystems into the future (MMAH, 2005). For example, ecosystem services provided by the Ontario Greenbelt include water filtration, pollination, flood control, wildlife habitat, carbon storage, and waste treatment, worth $2.6 million dollars per year as of 2008 (Wilson, 2008). The greenbelt is effective in this regard: ecosystem services (i.e., socio-economic benefits to humans of the natural environment) in Southern Ontario are realized at a significantly higher rate in the green-belt (61%) than outside of it (51%; Aziz & Van Cappellen, 2019). These services continue to play a key role in the careers and well-being of countless Ontarians today (e.g., greenbelt.ca/research, 2022). This suggests that the Greenbelt serves a valuable function that has potential for growth in this area. It also shows the importance of continuing to protect the Greenbelt. This is not the description of land that should be developed. The Greenbelt shouldn't be broken and it can't be substituted for land elsewhere.

Finally, it should be noted that historically, adhering to The Greenbelt Plan, in conjunction (not competition) with the Place to Grow Act, had the effect of generating unprecedented popular support for regional planning and growth in the area, specifically because respecting citizens' environmental concerns with the Greenbelt Plan placated concerns about environmental protection, allowing for citizen-supported generation of competitive regional growth strategies (Wekerle et al., 2007). The Ontario Goverment's current behaviour has the potential to reduce long-term citizen support for future planning and growth, having undermined their concerns about environmental protection.

References:
Aziz, T. & Van Cappellen, P. (2019). Comparative Valuation of Potential and Realized Ecosystem Services in Southern Ontario, Canada. Environmental Science and Policy. Volume 100, p. 105-112
Greenbelt Foundation. (n.d.). Our Work: Research. Greenbelt Foundation Research. Retrieved December 4, 2022, from https://www.greenbelt.ca/research
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH; 2004). Towards a Golden Horseshoe Greenbelt: Greenbelt Task Force Discussion Paper: A Framework for Consultation. Toronto: Queen's Printer for Ontario.
Wekerle, G. R., Sandberg, L. A., Gilbert, L., & Binstock, M. (2007). Nature as a Cornerstone of Growth: Regional and Ecosystems Planning in the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Canadian Journal of Urban Research. Volume 16, Issue 1. Supplement Pages 20-38.
Wilson, S. (2008). Ontario Wealth, Canada's Future: Appreciate the Value of the Greenbelt's Eco-Services. Toronto: David Suzuki Foundation.