We support protecting and…

We support protecting and growing the Greenbelt, in a balanced and organic way. While the Environment is key, social an economical factors need to be properly considered to support Ontario growth and prosperity. Coupled with the Growth plan, the Greenbelt plan will ensure these lands are and will be protected, while ensuring the anticipated growth planned for Ontario will be managed in a balanced, cost effective way. Homes and Business will be developed and be more affordable and sustainable. The quality of life will be elevated. It is not just about the environment, but also jobs, affordable homes and being able to enjoy nature closer to home.

Growing the Greenbelt by adding the Moraine between Caledon and Brantford is good but should be done based on the science and implemented in steps, once the lands to be included in the Greenebelt are ground-truthed as being truly sensitive or supportive.

Rather than conducting a desk top exercise as done in 2005/2006, from 50,000 feet up in one broad brush stroke, it needs to be staked and qualified before sterilizing it from growth, forever. This is wasteful and contributing to further sprawl, as development and growth is pushed out further. This costs millions to Ontario, as it unnecessarily pushes out and extends services and roads and maintenance of same.

Areas of the Greenbelt that contain table land and no river valley systems should be considered for growth.

Land that is not suitable for agriculture, due to scientific study and soil analysis, etc, should be considered for growth.

The best way to protect what is already been set aside (and set to further grow in measured steps) is to ensure everything that is not truly deemed as Greenbelt, can be developed around it. This will further protect and reinforce the Greenbelt .

Allowing for the increase in programming of the Greenbelt, should be also implemented, to better protect it. While it is important to keep key natural areas, open and free and admired, knowing what can be done with the Greenbelt from a business and development perspective, will make the Greenbelt more sustainable, from a social and economic perspective. It is a nice and idealistic thought to be able to point to so much open space, but if it is not programmed, it will not thrive. More uses need to be allowed and considered.