Almost without exception,…

Almost without exception, the proposed land removals and re-designations reduce the areas of Natural Heritage. I am sure that many of the lands contain wetlands or are part of wetland complexes, the evaluation and protections of which are severely threatened by the proposed changes to the Wetland Evaluation process. Wetlands provide irreplaceable environmental services that have a very significant monetary value to municipalities and provide natural solutions to the effects of climate change. At first glance the proposed removals and re-designations are just small pieces, but they are only the tip of the iceberg in the larger proposed and dangerous erosion of the protected lands.

The only conclusion that can be drawn from these proposals is that it is designed for the financial benefit of the landowners and developers.

I am opposed to the proposed changes that would remove existing tracts of protected land. There is no need to make these changes because there is already more than sufficient land designated for development both outside the Greenbelt and within municipal boundaries. This was the conclusion of the government's own studies!

The integrity of the Greenbelt, the Oak Ridges Moraine and the Niagara Escarpment Conservation lands must be maintained as planned to protect water sources and wetlands that sustain and protect the GTA, and the farmland that is essential to our food security and sustainability.

Please do not proceed with the proposed changes.