In regard to the exemption…

In regard to the exemption from approval - Official Plan amendments, of the proposed changes to the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, I urge the government not to proceed with any changes that could promote unsustainable growth and erode long-established environmental policies that help to ensure a high quality of life in Ontario.
The province should encourage and support Official Plans that balance the growth of the economy with the protection of the environment. I agree with the concerns of City of Hamilton planning staff, in a report on Feb. 19, in which they express concern about the proposed new policy allowing for minor adjustments to be made to the boundaries of rural settlement areas located outside of the Greenbelt Plan area.
Staff are concerned the policy could set a precedent and lead to future pressure to allow expansion of rural settlement areas within the Greenbelt. As staff note, rural settlement areas are generally dependent on private services and are not intended to experience any appreciable growth. Any allowance for expanded rural settlement area boundaries would be contrary to the goals of the provincial policy statement and the Rural Hamilton Official Plan to protect rural and agricultural lands and the natural environment.
That would be a very ill-advised, retrograde step. It is imperative that the widely applauded Greenbelt be strengthened, and preferably augmented with a Bluebelt to protect watersheds. Provincial policies and municipal Official Plans should complement each other to ensure that urban planning is done in an environmentally sustainable way, protecting agricultural lands and natural heritage systems. That's what the Greenbelt is designed to achieve. I urge the government to ensure that proposed changes to the Growth Plan will recognize the importance and value of the Greenbelt and the need to control urban sprawl.
Thank you.