I strongly oppose the…

I strongly oppose the rezoning of the 15 areas of land which have previously been designated as part of the Greenbelt, for use in housing development. The Greenbelt was established to protect farmland and ecologically sensitive areas (e.g. Oak Ridges Moraine). Although there is a need for new housing, there still needs to be a balance between protecting farmland and development of housing.

Much of the best farmland is in southern Ontario. Currently Ontario is losing 319 acres of farmland a day. With food prices soaring, we need local food production so that we are less dependent on other jurisdictions for this essential commodity. The agricultural industry contributes $47 billion to the provincial economy and needs to be maintained and improved.

The government should focus on options for housing development which include increasing the housing density within current city limits. It should also be noted that city residents need green spaces for health and wellbeing and these need to be protected. Other jurisdictions, such as Scotland, are restoring nature and investing in ecotourism. Ontario should consider doing the same.