I write to state my…

I write to state my opposition to the proposal to remove 7,400 acres of land from the Greenbelt, which was revealed on November 4, 2022.

Bill 23 will not increase development of affordable housing.

Not only is this proposal bad for the health of our province and unlikely to produce any additional housing, it goes against the Premier’s word and it goes against Minister Steve Clarke’s assertion that “we’re not going to entertain any conversations about a land swap” on the Greenbelt.

In addition to my concerns about the Greenbelt, I am deeply concerned about many of the components of Bill 23 and its associated policy proposals.

Bill 23 prohibits Conservation Authorities from doing anything to prevent sprawl from causing flooding and erosion – or destroying ecology. It would leave vast swathes of Ontario’s most important habitats largely unprotected – and put Ontarians at real risk. See: the flooding in B.C. in 2021

This Bill’s attack on regional planning is counterproductive for creating affordable homes – as well as being environmentally disastrous.

Bill 23 will further the destruction of critical natural areas in a time of climate crisis while also failing to deliver the urban transformation – or the affordable housing – that Ontario needs.

In conclusion, please desist from removing any lands from the Greenbelt – even if they are replaced by other lands in other areas– and repeal Bill 23.