I assert that opening the…

I assert that opening the Greenbelt for development, even via trade-offs for other lands, is contrary to the following matters of Provincial Interest identified in Part I, Section 2 of the Planning Act:
(a) the protection of ecological systems, including natural areas, features and functions;
(e) the supply, efficient use and conservation of energy and water;
(f) the adequate provision and efficient use of communication, transportation, sewage and water services and waste management systems;
(g) the minimization of waste;
(h) the orderly development of safe and healthy communities;
(p) the appropriate location of growth and development;
(q) the promotion of development that is designed to be sustainable, to support public transit and to be oriented to pedestrians;
(s) the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation to a changing climate.

An appeal to matter of Provincial Interest 2 (j), “the adequate provision of a full range of housing, including affordable housing” as justification for Greenbelt development is indefensible when faced with the alternative of intensifying within urban boundaries. The provincially-mandated Municipal Comprehensive Review process has just completed and ensures an adequate supply of housing, including a range of housing types. Many municipalities have thousands of housing units approved and awaiting construction. More affordable housing can be provided via direct provision by government and/or more (or better) government regulation of the private sector.

For the Greenbelt lands to perform their functions, the lands must be contiguous and known to be off-limits to development. Farmers cannot be expected to be good stewards of the land if the land is always at risk of being converted to other uses.

Moreover, I ask that the government ensure that land-use decisions be taken at “arm’s length” only to avoid accusations of corruption that undermine our civil society. To ensure fair, unbiased decisions, I call on the government to enact only universal legislation and policy that is to be carried out locally via regional and municipal governments, as opposed to making decisions on particular lands. This practice can also permit a higher authority to review the local government’s decision if the decisions are inconsistent with laws and bylaws or are the product of corruption.