As a resident of the Book…

As a resident of the Book Road Group, I would like to comment on the proposal to return these lands into the Greenbelt.
We have been long time residents and have farmed these lands for decades. We have also rented and farmed lands that are now in housing, and have been turned into industrial lands. We understand, and approve the expansion of towns and cities, as it is a natural progression. It, however, leaves those of us remaining, and farming with huge hurtles to stay viable.
Certain crops require certain soil types. Our crops require a sandier soil. There is none available near us anymore, it is all covered with houses now. We have worked and rented land where there are now schools, houses, long term care facilities etc. Many of the people who are against the removal of the lands from the Greenbelt live on these very lands that we used to farm.
Traffic makes it unsafe to move equipment down roads. Finding land to rent nearby is nearly impossible. Putting us in Greenbelt literally cuts us at the knees when it comes to expanding our business. Our land becomes de-valued, selling and moving our business is impossible. Our ability to borrow monies and expand is based on the value of our land, which when put into Greenbelt goes considerably down.
We have watched over the last 58 years of owning this property, how the City of Hamilton has approved all the lands around us for either housing, or industrial use. It is the natural progression that the Book Road Lands also are approved for development going forward. Leaving us like an Island in the middle of all the development around us, suffocates our right and ability to grow our business, and create more products, and employment opportunities.
We have Condo's and housing developments across the street from our farm, the city has put in curbs, and bus stops, a necessary step, but one that makes it impossible for us to move machinery down these roads without blocking both lanes.
We are asking to remain out of the Greenbelt, so that we have the opportunity to move our business, to grow our business, and to do so in an area where we no longer have to deal with traffic, limitations of land available near us, and safety of employees.

The Book Road Lands were never in the original Greenbelt plan, and were only placed in the Greenbelt in 2016. The Book Road Lands were in fact scheduled to be included in future planning. How is it that someone can just make a decision like that? One that can change the course of your life, your business, and your future? It was a political stunt by a city counsellor that put us WRONGLY in the Greenbeltin 2016 and now that we are correctly out of the Greenbelt, we should remain out of the Greenbelt.

I ask that putting the Book Road Lands back into the Greenbelt is strongly reconsidered. Peoples livelihood and businesses are at stake. Our and our employees safety is at stake.

Thank you.