I am writing as an Ontario…

I am writing as an Ontario resident, and someone who participates actively in Ontario’s Green Belt. Having noticed the rate of urban development of Toronto and surrounding areas over the last 10 years, I am not at all in support of the proponents in this bill that would allow businesses to ignore rules outlined in the Clean Water Act, the Great Lakes Protection Act and the Toxics Reduction Act. It is unacceptable to consider allowing the Greenbelt to be opened up for industrial development and urban sprawl.

The Greenbelt protects 2 million acres of Ontario farmland, forests, and nature. It protects many of the places that make Ontario such the special place that it is on the planet. Having access to the recreational use of those spaces and knowing they are protected makes me proud to be an Ontarian.

Forest lands and Nature Spaces are vital to our eco-system and hold a huge value that cannot be captured in dollars and cents. I value the eco-systems and the species that live in those places and the government of Ontario should as well. I would expect this government to hold them as important as well.

It is short-sighted to allow those greenspaces to be lost for money. What will be lost will be far greater than what money can buy. There are many other ways that business can be stimulated in Ontario communities, that don't involve irreparable damage to our greenspaces.

Please change this bill, Do not go forward with this. Uphold your promise, and uphold the Green Belt Act, the Great Lakes and Lake Simcoe Protections Acts and the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act. Protect our green spaces and water ways.