Environmental protections…

Environmental protections should not be limited to the Greenbelt in Ontario and infrastructure such as highways should not go through the Greenbelt. The planned GTA West (Highway 413) and Bradford Bypass must be cancelled. In addition, the Drainage Act should not be allowed to damage wetlands in the Greenbelt. The Auditor General’s report in 2020 pointed out that Conservation isn’t happening where it’s needed most where people live. The Paris Galt Moraine is a good step but, it’s not large enough to undo damage caused by the over use of MZOs. I support the expansion because it will protect farming and reduce the impacts of climate change. There is concern that if provincially significant wetlands are allowed to be developed else where what is stopping the Greenbelt from being developed? Hopefully Indigenous communities were consulted this is a must. There is an opportunity to have an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area. It is important to increase density targets so development does not encroach on the greenbelt. Considerations to move to a more defined boundary include soil, habitat, hydrology flows and whether or not wetlands and forests are protected especially vernal pools and rare habitat. Adding, expanding and further protecting Urban River Valleys is good. I believe that the Greenbelt should be expanded into the City of Kawartha Lakes and Peterborough area due to drumlin fields and that the greenbelt shouldn’t be the sole area protected. In order to balance priorities I believe that the government should increase density targets province wide and increase brownfield development. Protecting wetlands and forests reduce flooding and climate impacts so they should be protected. Other priorities that should be included is clean drinking water and mental health. In addition increased biodiversity can prevent future pandemics.