I vehemently oppose to the…

I vehemently oppose to the proposed revocation of the Central Pickering Development Plan. The original plan enshrines the protection of prime agricultural land, the conservation of local wildlife habitat and the preservation of critical ecological landscapes within the region; it supports the sustainable growth of Pickering. Amending this plan may reduce the regulatory burden for developers, but it will not improve the overall wellbeing of Pickering’s current or future residents. It does not ensure that housing is affordable or that development is responsible. More homes will not solve the perceived housing crisis that Ontario is facing. There are a number of critically important socioeconomic and social equity factors that have contributed, and will continue to contribute, to this situation—none of which are addressed by revoking the current plan. Housing inventory alone does not put roofs over heads, as it does not inherently address the challenge of affordability. Further, houses that damage the ecological stability of the region will undoubtedly lead to more expenses for the residents and the City of Pickering long term. I have lived in Pickering for over 30 years; I grew up here as a child and now raise my three children here. I work as a healthcare leader in the region and must state that after experiencing the Covid-19 pandemic, in which we saw the importance of greenspace for our overall health and wellbeing as a society, I am extremely disappointed in this shortsighted plan to further erode our local natural resources. The degradation of these spaces will only serve to increase the intensity of future climate and health crises within the region. Within the existing plan, there is already sufficient growth slated for Pickering neighbourhoods that will aid in the government’s commitment to increasing the provincial housing supply. There is no need to remove protections and provisions to provide minimally restricted development opportunities. For our future and for that of our children, I ask that the current plan not be revoked and that we continue to protect our green spaces.