As residents of Richmond…

As residents of Richmond Hill, Ontario, my husband and I have grave concerns about the possible ramifications of Bill 66, particularly with respect to encroachment on Greenbelt lands and all the attendant implications of such encroachment. The other troubling aspect we're concerned about is the feature that silences mandatory community participation in proposed development applications under an "Open for Business" bylaw which any municipality can pass. As we understand it, once such plans are approved by the Province, there is no appeal process available. Evidence continues to mount as to the importance of natural, undeveloped greenspaces to human health, biodiversity and to environmental stability. We care deeply about the greenbelt and all of its amazing features, such as farms, forests, wetlands and watersheds. We believe that it's unnecessary to develop any of the greenbelt, because we understand a recent study found more than 125,00 hectares of land that is available in the GTA to accommodate growth through to at least 2031. We respectfully request that you do not touch the greenbelt with this proposed or any other similar legislation. The Greenbelt is a heritage we want our children and future generations to continue to enjoy.