I am writing to strongly…

I am writing to strongly oppose Bill 66. Please protect the Greenbelt to ensure the well-being of people and wildlife as promised during the election campaign! This Bill expedites development of environmentally sensitive lands and negatively affect the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail as well as planning policies such as the Greenbelt Act, the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, the Clean Water Act and the Great Lakes Protection Act.

Ontario’s Greenbelt covers an area of approximately 1.8 million acres surrounding the Golden Horseshoe from Niagara Falls, north to Tobermory, and east to Rice Lake. It provides protection to wetlands, forests and farmland and its inception was a result of mitigating the negative effects of ever-increasing urban sprawl. The Greenbelt has been recognized internationally as an exemplary example of land-use planning.

The benefits of the Greenbelt for the residents of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) are numerous. This natural infrastructure contributes to the health and wellbeing of people and wildlife, a prosperous economy, local food, tourism, recreational opportunities, proper land-use planning and natural capital benefits. For example, it is estimated that the economic benefit of the Greenbelt exceeds approximately $9 billion annually throughout the Province in direct, indirect and induced impacts. The Greenbelt ensures the protection of fertile farmland and our natural heritage and provides ecosystem services such as clean air and water, climate change and stormwater mitigation, carbon sequestration, reduced strain on city infrastructure, and habitat for birds, turtles and species at risk. It helps sustain biodiversity and our quality of life.

Please honour the promise during the election that the Ontario government would leave the Greenbelt intact! Low density sprawl creates more gridlock, long commute times, more municipal roads, sewer and water pipes to maintain. Taxes are also lower in denser cities where services such as transit are more affordable and cost justified. Affordable housing is also more achievable. Once the Greenbelt is paved, the damage is irreparable and our quality of life will be jeopardized for generations to come!

Thank you.