Relative to the Greenbelt…

Relative to the Greenbelt Consultation, ERO # 019-6216, I wish to indicate my strong disapproval for the release of any Greenbelt lands, as I feel this release will advantage developers to the disadvantage of the public. Specifically I wish to comment on the Duffin Rouge Agricultural Preserve lands (see map 6), having had personal experience living on one of the farms there. I can attest that the developer who owns much of that Preserve does not deserve to be handed the keys to develop this farmland. He managed to buy the land in the early 2000's at agricultural rates, with agricultural easements "in perpetuity" already imposed on the land, before it was secondarily protected by the Greenbelt. He has since then badgered local and provincial governments to secure development authorization for him. It is well know that he has contributed heavily to provincial government coffers and rumours are rife that in- kind enticements have also been used. He has been illegally cutting stands of white pine trees on the properties and razing fence rows, clearly jumping the gun to develop the land very prematurely. He has also bullied tenants on the land in a very intimidating way. I find it very difficult to imagine that a government with integrity would go ahead and free the land up to such an undeserving person, for a cause, namely housing, that arguably is unnecessary at this point. I believe this government will live to regret this decision, should it choose foolishly to go ahead.