I am encouraged by the…

I am encouraged by the government’s commitment to grow the Greenbelt, through the urban river valleys and the Paris Galt Moraine.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

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

The Paris Galt Moraine is an ideal area to expand Greenbelt protections. To protect this water system, including headwaters and all hydrological features means securing a water source for at least 800,000 people.

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

An important consideration is engagement with Indigenous communities to fulfill constitutional and treaty obligations.

A vibrant, prosperous agricultural community is important to maintain. This requires nurturing the entire agricultural system.

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

Urban River Valleys are an excellent means of connecting residents in the Greater Toronto Area to Greenbelt. These features protect habitat and promote biodiversity and they provide healthy outdoor recreation and support the regional trail system.

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

Brant County is becoming an area for leapfrog development. This should be examined.

Question 5: How should we balance or prioritize any potential Greenbelt expansion with the other provincial priorities mentioned below?

Expanding the Greenbelt will support many provincial priorities such as Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy, Ontario’s Wetland Conservation Strategy and Ontario’s Great Lakes Strategy.

Infrastructure to support housing needs of communities in the GGH can be met within lands already designated for development. Aside from Toronto and Peel, growth in all other municipalities has been less than projected and there are existing large surpluses of land available for development. The Neptis Foundation estimated in 2017 that the total supply of unbuilt land to accommodate housing and employment to 2031 and beyond across the GGH is 125,560 hectares.