1. What are your thoughts on…

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

I believe the initial focus area should be based on it being an environmental significant feature and based on scientific and environmental studies. Any consultation on a study area should include proper notification of farmers and land owners in the study area and given adequate time to respond to the study. This needs to be done by registered mail or by a means that ensure people actually receive notice of what is being considered which could greatly affect their property.

2. What are the considerations in moving form a study area to a more defined boundary of the Paris Galt Moraine?

I believe that the focus areas should be based on scientific and environmental studies that the land being included for expansion is of environmental significance. Any further land included for expansion should not just be based on looking at a map and closing in areas simply based on surrounding areas and features. This consultation should have a focus and not be used to arbitrarily add further areas currently not in the Greenbelt.

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

Again, the land being considered for Greenbelt expansion needs to be based on scientific and environmental facts of environmental significance. This should not include land being added simply to expand the Greenbelt for the sake of expanding the Greenbelt.

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

This should be done based on it being an environmentally sensitive area or of environmental significance.

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

Proper notification and consultation needs to be done with farmers and land owners within the areas of consideration. Supporting agriculture in southern Ontario does not always mean simply adding more land to the Greenbelt. A vibrant and productive agricultural system needs support now and into the future. A successful agricultural sector is required to maintain and be a steward for the already significant agricultural land included within the Greenbelt.

6. Are there other priorities that should be considered?

The agricultural system also requires infrastructure and support. Simply added more land to the Greenbelt inhibits future growth and prosperity of the agricultural system now and for future generations. Further restrictions on land use for farmers does not allow them to expand, grow, modernize and adjust to an ever-changing world. To continue to have a successful agricultural sector, farmers must be able to remain competitive in a world economy. A successful farming sector is required to actually maintain the land and keep it productive.