I like many other Ontarians…

I like many other Ontarians listened to and believed the Premier over the last number of years when he publicly promised that his government would not alter the Greenbelt. Altering the Greenbelt is not needed to meet housing needs in Ontario. The resignations of members of the Greenbelt Council demonstrate that the Government in Ontario is not acting in the best interests of the public in this matter. The need to provide sufficient housing for current and future residents can be found by intensification of existing neighbourhoods and the redevelopment of brown fields to name just two options. We need to continue to protect our agricultural lands, waterways and natural environment that we all depend on. Recent articles in The Globe and Mail, and Toronto Star clearly suggest that some in the development community were given the inside track that potentially allow them to make huge profits with this governments about face on protecting the existing Greenbelt. This latest consultation process is far to short and seemingly timed to be launched when the electorate of Ontario are looking forward to the first almost normal Christmas period since the COVID pandemic with the goal of limiting public consultation and response. Changes to the Greenbelt are not supported by the electorate and the number of individuals and public advocacy groups demonstrate that Bill 23 is seriously flawed.