Support Paris Galt Moraine…

Support Paris Galt Moraine and Grand River Greenbelt expansion April 19 2021
I support and encourage the expansion of the Greenbelt, especially to include the Paris Galt Moraine and also to include the Grand River watershed from its source to Lake Erie. As a resident of Brantford who is concerned and needs to protect my drinking water and that of future generations, I believe that areas of ecological and hydrological significance, as well as water protection needs to be given priority over other provincial development, infrastructure and growth interests. I support the need for the Province to protect the significant moraines, cold water streams, and headwaters in Brant, the Niagara escarpment and the Golden Horseshoe Area for this Greenbelt expansion.
Adding Urban River Valleys to the Greenbelt to include The Grand River from its source to Lake Erie would also protect this ecoregion between Brantford and Lake Erie which according to a study by Nature Conservancy Canada is one of the most altered regions due to urban growth and agriculture with only 14 per cent natural land cover left in the area and a few large blocks of natural habitat. (March 9, 2021) Study identifies 'crisis ecoregion' | Brantford Expositor
Protecting Silver Creek, a small local urban neighbourhood stream in a flood risk zone, with a surface water outfall, where people can enjoy the natural environment close to home in northeast Brantford demonstrates how the ecosystem is interconnected. It then flows to Fairchild Creek which goes through agricultural land into the Grand River near Onondaga, where people can explore with a canoe or kayak. These are environments worth protecting as part of the Greenbelt and Grand River watershed. This benefits the climate and water quality as well as the health and well-being of the ecosystem that includes us as humans. This health benefit has been recognized as critical especially during Covid-19 when nature is even more important for our mental, spiritual and physical health. Greenbelt recommendations that include creeks and wetlands that drain into the Grand River are key to protect, as well as the Paris Galt Moraine, by integrating agricultural management and natural heritage systems to prevent water pollution and reversing wetland loss.
It is important that the Province prioritizes water and ecosystem protection by determining boundaries where urbanization does NOT occur. Expanding the Greenbelt and taking an Integrated Watershed Management approach to the Growth Plan will protect the environment that sustains us now and beyond. These priorities are needed to protect any development planning that does occur.
A current example of a proposed development where I live in the riding of Brant to which I am strongly opposed is the Oak Park Road extension which includes building a new 4 lane bridge across the Grand River. I am greatly concerned that this development plan to reduce traffic time by only about 10 minutes through the middle of a natural corridor, will damage the watershed, biodiversity, species at risk, air quality, drinking water quality, the ecosystem and the beautiful river trail system which is key for environmental, recreational, physical and mental health for the City of Brantford and Paris in this Grand River valley region and for the province of Ontario. We need the Province to expand the Greenbelt and to work with municipalities to protect and prioritize these valuable natural ecoregions and water resources to include the Grand River Valley as well as the Paris Galt Moraine.
Ontario and local governments need to recognize the importance of maintaining, restoring and improving natural areas, waters and farmlands. Governments need to work together to protect these areas in our community through Greenbelt expansion to ensure prosperous, resilient, complete communities for the future.
I appreciate this opportunity to express my support of the expansion of Greenbelt areas.