The reduction in green space…

The reduction in green space requirements in new developments will significantly impact and cause further deterioration in the quality of life for city residents. In Toronto, there is already a glaring deficiency in the green space available to the growing population. Parks are overrun and crowded already and are suffering degradation that affects both people and wildlife. When there are plans to cover rail tracks to create green space, this indicates how desperately it is needed.

Green space is universally acknowledged as a vital component to human and mental health and every development should carry their fair share of the load to ensure urban environments remain green.
The absence of canopy trees creates a desert effect increasing heat and accelerating wind speeds. There is no relief for residents when adequate green space is bypassed and disastrous when this practice accumulates across an entire district.

Canopy trees need open spaces. Boulevard trees and plants confined to concrete expanses struggle to survive and have no hope of reaching the height and expanse needed to effectively provide shade, mitigate the effects of wind, or provide useful habitat for birds and animals. Without these dedicated spaces evenly distributed throughout the urban core, cities cannot grow trees. This has a profoundly negative impact on residents and wildlife. Toronto is on the migration path for hundreds of species of birds and other wildlife who need a safe landing place to recover and refuel after long flights over Lake Ontario. Without the needed habitat, the viability and survival of many species is in jeopardy.

Profit from overdevelopment cannot replace vital natural resources that contribute to the quality of life and mental health for residents and the liveability of cities. The practice of cash-in-lieu has only contributed to the desertification of downtown cores.

Increasingly urban land and subsequent housing is being controlled by corporations and their profits rather than individuals who wish to live in healthy communities, but whose lives and views do not seem to count. It remains the responsibility of government to protect the interests of the people whose day-to-day lives are affected by allowing profit over quality of life for all. The government needs to protect the interests of the many to ensure balance and green space is preserved.

Other community benefits needing funding such as affordable housing are big issues that need a dedicated government response rather than a ‘nickel and dime’ approach by pirating other areas of urban development.