It is a good idea to expand…

It is a good idea to expand the Greenbelt, however it should be expanded in areas of scientific concern. It is suspicious that the Greenbelt's boundaries stop along the borders of the County of Brant. In addition to growing the Greenbelt, I would encourage the government to add parcels of scientific concern that are in the County of Brant that are currently not included. This goes beyond the Paris Galt Moraine.

Secondly, I would prioritize the Greenbelt's protection over infrastructure projects like Highway 413 (GTA West Corridor) and the Bradford Bypass. As alternatives, the government should consider improving public transit infrastructure in Halton, Peel and York regions as well as better user rates for Hightway 407/ETR. Pursuing highway projects in these areas discredits any attempts at bolstering Greenbelt protection.

Thirdly, encourage farmers to be more enthusiastic about the Greenbelt. Some do not want it expanded, but there must be a way of addressing their concerns to have good farming operations while ensuring environmental protection. There could also be a better job done of promoting foods grown in the Greenbelt.

It is a great idea to expand protections along Urban River Valleys and I strongly encourage the government to pursue this. Please be even more ambitious and consider buying private lands, where appropriate. There are birds that are endangered like the Canada Warbler, who nest in low-lying areas close to rivers. They are sensitive to the destruction of their habitat, which is happening more frequently, like in the Lower Duffins Creek Complex in Pickering. Increasing protected areas along Urban River Valleys can help to ensure their survival.

I would encourage the government to improve resource allocation to conservation authorities as well as single and two-tier municipalities to improve the conditions around Urban River Valleys. There is a lot of trash along the Greenbelt's Urban River Valleys like the Don River in Vaughan. Increasing the Greenbelt's size will really have a stronger impact if this litter issue is addressed.

Lastly, I would recommend the government considers a focused public communications campaign about the Greenbelt and its importance. A key part of this must be public education around littering in its Urban River Valleys. This is an issue as members of the public treat parts of the Don River in Vaughan as if it was a garbage site.