ERO # 013-4293 input on Bill…

ERO # 013-4293 input on Bill 66, Restoring Ontario’s Competitiveness Act
As a farm operator and forest landowner, I am writing to the Premier and Government of Ontario to ask that you keep your promise to protect the Greenbelt, call back the Ontario legislature and introduce a new Bill 66 that stops the destructive and misguided attacks on the Greenbelt, Oak Ridges Moraine, Lake Simcoe, Source Water Protection Areas and other important farmlands, forests, wetlands and natural areas.
During the election campaign, you promised to protect the Ontario Greenbelt Plan and recently released a “Made in Ontario” Environment Plan making the same commitment to the people of Ontario. Bill 66 as proposed, related deregulation and Section 10 will undo the beneficial land use policies that guide smart communities.
Provincial and municipal data show there is enough land already available in our towns and cities for our housing needs up to 2041. There is also a surplus of land for new businesses and we should be encouraging investment in these areas with strategic marketing not urban sprawl. By building within existing towns and cities throughout the Greater Golden Horseshoe we can increase the supply of affordable housing and jobs in existing serviced communities while holding urban boundaries firm.
Protected farmland supplies local food and enhances food security at a time when prices are rising and supplies from other countries are being threatened. Farming and our local food production are economically important and provide jobs to thousands. Urban sprawl into farmland destroys farm businesses and farming communities.
Clean and abundant water is critical to both human and nature survival. Opening areas that have been protected for the safety of our drinking water to development threatens our environmental health, increases flooding, erosion and drought.
Forests, wetlands, natural areas and farmlands also provide healthy habitat for wildlife, sequester carbon, mitigate the effects of climate change, provide rural business and recreation opportunities and clean our air constantly and naturally.
Farmlands, forests, water and natural areas disappear forever in urban sprawl. Keep your promise to serve the people with integrity!!!