The proposal to reclassify…

The proposal to reclassify some greenbelt and to do a land swap is not going to make the housing "crisis" any better. I have ....points to question the government on this proposal:

1) Is there actually a crisis whereby people do not have a roof over their heads, or is the "crisis" in being able to buy a home? I know many people who own more than one home (not just cottages) and often these homes sit vacant. The "crisis" is not that there isn't enough homes, the crisis is that there is not enough affordable and/or units for people. In European countries, it is not uncommon for people to rent their living accommodations. In fact, most people do not own a home. If the government wishes to resolve a situation where people do not have affordable residency, then developers should be building high density rental units, not encouraging urban sprawl or assuming the affordable housing units to purchase will actually go to those who are looking for these as a primary residence. I can assure you thought, those homes will go to people who have money, will buy them for an investment and then resell at a higher price, rent them out of leave them vacant. Building large homes in these areas will not fix the problem.

2) Once this green space is paved over there is no going back. Do we really need to pave over lands and build houses in the areas designated which, for the most part, are in the highest home price areas of the GTHA? These are not going to be affordable units, but these are going to make developers money.

3) Where are we going to grow our food? Overseas? Mexico? If the pandemic has taught us anything is that we should make sure that we have accessible and domestic food sources and not rely on outside countries for our basis food needs.

4) Limiting the powers of the conservation authorities and paving over green space will ensure that flooding will continue to be a problem in Ontario, more than ever before. The green spaces were protect to also protect watersheds. It remove this buffer so developers can make a quick buck is going to cost insurance agencies and the government more money in the long run on flood mitigation and repairs.

5) Removing the development fees means that everyone in the town/city/municipality is going to pay for their new neighbourhoods' infrastructure. So, you've owned your house for 20 years, great. Your taxes will go up so some other person can have a house build in your area. Everyone gets to pay for the sewers being put in , roads being built, etc...but don't worry the developers won't have to pay. Oh, and it might be on the greenbelt that your backyard backed onto and was the reason that you purchased your house in the first place.

This proposed change will only benefit developers. This will not create affordable homes and it will cost taxpayers more money in taxes and insurance.