We are in the midst of a…

We are in the midst of a climate crisis and need to preserve as many of our green spaces as possible. These areas provide carbon sinks to help control emissions while providing cooling areas when heat waves turn lethal. They also protect valuable farmland essential for food security.

Building housing in these areas not only leads to urban sprawl, but also requires residents to use their cars rather than public transportation. Although the government is constantly pointing to the need for these areas to provide housing for the future, there is plenty of land available within many municipalities that are being overlooked. A report prepared by government-hired consultants said Greenbelt land was not needed to build needed housing. Many of these existing properties are already serviced and are close to shopping and other services. The housing that will be built on Greenbelt lands will not be affordable to those who need it most. We need modest rental accommodation for low and moderate income people.

In 2018, Premier Ford promised never to open up the Greenbelt for development. He needs to keep this promise.