In your request for comments…

In your request for comments, you asked 6 questions. Please see below for my comments.

1) What are your thoughts on the initial focus area of the Study Area of the Paris Galt Moraine?

This area is resplendent with Natural beauty, and is a good initial focus area. However, limits around the sprawl from Missisissauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington and Milton should also be considered.

2)What are the considerations in moving from a Study Area to a more defined boundary of the Paris Galt Moraine?

A more specific boundary will enable the right conversations. Preservation of natural areas, followed by enabling sustainable farming practices should be the main drivers (versus continued economic development from suburbanization)

3) What are your thoughts on the initial focus area of adding, expanding and further protecting Urban River Valleys?

A great addition.

4) Do you have suggestions for other potential areas to grow the Greenbelt?

Yes - as per question 1, we should look at areas outside of the major GTA cities (e.g. Milton, Mississauga, Oakville, Brampton on the west, Vaughan, Richmond, Markham, Stouffville to the north, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa to the east). Continued status quo suburban developments both threaten national food security by turning prime agricultural lands into suburbia, and decrease the quality of life for existing residents by increasing traffic and congestion, polution, increased travel times.

5) How should we balance or prioritize any potential Greenbelt expansion with the other provincial priorities mentioned above?

Ecological preservation should be the core principle for decision making. Agriculture can fit nicely in this framework with increasing adoption of environment preserving agricultural practices vs "factory farms".

Infrastructure projects should be considered carefully, with priority to public transit (e.g. high speed rail) versus additional highways.

6) Are there other priorities that should be considered?
Two come to mind:
- Increasing number and size of provincial parks -- it is clear through the pandemic that we do not have enough.
- Growth forecasts are based on 'status quo' mindsets. Meanwhile, cities further to the north continue to struggle with population decline. What policies can be put in place to encourage shifting growth from prime agricultural land to these Northern cities (e.g. Sudbury) facing decline?