I am a Hamilton resident, a…

I am a Hamilton resident, a health professional, and a tenant. I am commenting to express my deep concern over proposed changes to Ontario's Greenbelt. While I understand the urgency of addressing the housing shortage, it is unconscionable to risk the future of our environment, which affects our food security and water safety as well as our natural heritage.

The environment is not a set out trading cards. We can't simply swap out some protected areas for others. The protection of all current Greenbelt areas is vital and there is no substitute for continued safeguarding of these areas. Moreover, an expedited approvals process for housing proposals in sensitive areas only increases the risk of irreversible environmental damage.

Beyond the inexcusable risk of vital and irreplaceable natural land, this proposal will not meaningfully address the housing crisis. The commodification of housing means there is no reason to believe that an increased supply of homes will actually result in more people being housed–unless targeted policies are put in place. Housing is needed that is deeply affordable to single individuals and all configurations of families–including those working precarious and low-wage jobs, as well as those struggling on Ontario's inhumanely low social and disability assistance payments. This housing must be located in existing municipal boundaries, close to jobs, communities, schools, and services.

Finally, shame on this government for blaming immigration (and, by extension, immigrants themselves) for housing supply issues. This is a crisis that we manufactured right here in Ontario.