The removal and swapping of…

The removal and swapping of land from the Greenbelt is unnecessary, irresponsible, and undemocratic.

The housing shortage can be addressed, not with land acquisition, but with increased density within existing urban boundaries. Construction of single-family dwellings, the least dense form of housing, on farmland and environmentally sensitive ecosystems is short-sighted and foolhardy at best. As the editorial board at The Globe and Mail noted, to pave over Greenbelt to build “a mere 3% of the government’s goal of 1.5 million homes is highly questionable.”

The Ontario Farmland Trust in its review of the growth plan for the Greenbelt noted that the Greater Golden Horseshoe contains some of the best farmland in Canada generating $6.3 billion in annual economic activity. We need to stop the loss of farmland not increase it.

The Greenbelt was created to permanently protect ecologically and hydrologically significant natural environments. We need to abide by the Greenbelt’s vision and goals, particularly in the midst of a climate crisis, not flip flop on the premier’s promise.

Bill 23 does not address the affordability crisis. A single-family dwelling, Doug Ford’s cliché picket fence, is beyond the reach of too many.

The City of Hamilton's plan to address growth within urban boundaries has widespread support. Bill 23 undermines the democratic process that led to that plan.

Municipal taxes will rise significantly making us all poorer while developers’ coffers bulge. We need an inquiry to find out why developers bought Greenbelt land weeks before Ford announced his plans.