Hello I begin this letter by…

Hello

I begin this letter by declaring how thrilled I was to learn the Progressive Conservatives are showing interest in expanding the Green Belt and possibly protecting the Paris/Galt Moraine. It is imperative that the natural capital we are blessed with here in Ontario is appreciated and protected. For this reason, adding additional protection to areas that are still green is essential.

Although, last week’s announcement is encouraging, I must relay my confusion.
During the announcement, I heard it said that our Province “want(s) to hear from Ontarians on how our Provincial leaders can better protect and preserve farmlands, wetlands, forests and watersheds” and so I write.

My first suggestion would be to reduce the number of land developers appointed to the Conservation Authority Working Group. If as you say, the Green Belt is “not open to development” then why are land developers included in the Working Group at all? As well, this seems to be at the complete exclusion of others who have proven worthy of being included through decades of Green Belt protection.

I trust Minister Clark, has asked if any land developer members (or their sister affiliates/Numbered Companies) have secured property in or adjacent to the Green Belt lands? The answer to this question may indicate a conflict of interests, which in turn jeopardizes the integrity of the Working Group.

To add further bewilderment and with due respect, I question your appointment of one particular development company in this advisory capacity. This company has been charged and fined with land tampering and tree cutting by the City of Guelph. Is this the kind of company that should be given opportunities to guide the protection of our green spaces? Perhaps one misdemeanor can be forgiven, but further infractions clearly indicate defiance of our City by-laws and the privileged attitude of this industry. In fact, four out of six land developers in our area have shown blatant disregard for green spaces and natural features by dredging ponds, clear cutting trees, filling in wetlands and changing grade without permits. If it were not for the watchful eye of engaged community members, the damage could be much worse. If your goal is to protect our green spaces, this appointment needs to be reconsidered.

The government’s decision to retain Schedule 6, limiting the protective responsibilities of our Conservation Authorities and in turn causing the resignations of Chair, along with six other members of the Green Belt Committee over this decision, clearly brings into question the Progressive Conservatives sincerity in Green Belt protection. This coupled with appointments of three land developer executives to the Conservation Authority Working Group intensifies the odour.

If this is truly a “once in a generation opportunity” your best shot at protecting Ontario’s natural capital will be to replace representation of land development companies with groups that are nationally recognized for protection of green spaces: First Nations and Metis groups, Environmental Defence, the Green Belt Alliance (representing over 120 Green Belt supporting groups), Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust, Protect Our Moraine, Council of Canadians or Wellington Water Watchers, to name a few alternatives.

With the sale of water bottling properties, to an American private equity fund it is evident that Ontario’s freshwater resources are fast becoming a bigger part of the global water plan. You and your Government, have the power to put some strong protective measures in place right now.

Don’t let Ontario’s communities down!
Don’t let Ontario’s grandchildren down!

Yours sincerely,