I am a grade nine student at…

I am a grade nine student at Central Peel Secondary School. As an Ontorian, I have a vision. I wish to see Ontario, and eventually all Canada become a sustainable country. By this, I mean that Canada should be sustainable in all four aspects; environmentally, economically, socially, and politically. I would like my kids, their kids, and their kid’s kids to be able to live in a sustainable and liveable community. In order for this to happen, we, as a province and country, have to work persistently to create an environmentally, economically, socially, and politically sustainable community.

I have read through the amendments to the growth plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. I think a lot of the proposed amendments are really good for our province and will bring good changes to our communities. For example, the growth plan is taking into consideration how Ontario’s population is estimated to increase by 50% by the 25 years and altering the plan accordingly. However, I don’t agree with all amendments being proposed to the plan.

I disagree with amendment 1.2 The Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. This proposed amendment is replacing “a clean and healthy environment” with “an approach that puts people first.” This change would be good for an urban community, however, an urban community does not always keep the health of our environment in mind. If Ontario is trying to become environmentally sustainable, we cannot be putting people first. Instead, we, as Ontorians, have to change our lifestyles to support a healthier environment.

Furthermore, the proposed amendment states “this approach protects the Greenbelt and will ensure a cleaner environment is passed on to future generations…protected employment zones and an increase in the amount and variety of housing available.” However, I do not agree with this. Protecting employment zones and increasing the amount of housing available can only be beneficial to the economy of our government. I do not think that a cleaner environment can be ensured to be passed onto future generations this way. Additionally, not only the Greenbelt should be used to keep our province environmentally sustainable. I feel like other lands should be protected too because the environment of our entire province cannot be healthy if only the Greenbelt is protected. Therefore, I think amendment 1.2 should be withdrawn from the growth plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Saying this, the other amendments, in my opinion, are great changes that I am hoping will ensure a sustainable province for generations to come.