I am writing to object to…

I am writing to object to Schedule 10 of Bill C66 and to ask that the government keeps Mr. Ford's promise to protect the Greenbelt and to remove schedule 10 from Bill C66 in order to stop the attacks on the Greenbelt, Oak Ridges Moraine, Lake Simcoe, Source Water Protection Areas and other important protected farm and natural areas to development that are contained in Schedule 10.

During the election, Mr. Ford promised to protect the Greenbelt and he recently released a “Made in Ontario” Environment Plan which made the same commitment.

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. By building within our existing towns and cities throughout the Greater Golden Horseshoe we can increase the supply of affordable housing and jobs in our existing serviced communities while holding firm on urban boundaries.

Protected farmland supplies local food and enhances food security at a time when prices are rising and supplies from other countries are increasingly threatened. Farming is also economically important and provides jobs to thousands. Sprawl onto farmland destroys farm businesses and farm communities.

Water is critical to human survival. Opening areas that have been protected for the safety of our drinking water to development threatens our long term health and increases flood risks.

Natural areas provide habitat for wildlife, sequester carbon and mitigate climate change, provide recreation and clean our air.

All schedule 10 does is make developers rich at the expense of the general public. Schedule 10 must be removed from Bill C66 in order to protect our environment and our precious frmland which can never be restored once developed. We must prevent urban sprawl at all costs.

Thank you,