Thank you for this…

Thank you for this opportunity to comment on the expansion of the Greenbelt.

There are a lot of scientific papers that address climate change and biodiversity loss and the need for action now to build resiliency for all biodiversity-which includes humans. Some people wish to deny the seriousness of the situation. For many of those who spend the majority of their time outdoors in nature for work or for play, it cannot be denied.

In the forward by the Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity in the report titled Connecting Global Priorities Biodiversity and Human Health by the World Health Organization it states:

"Biodiversity, ecosystems and the essential services that they deliver are central pillars for all life on the planet, including human life. They are sources of food and essential nutrients, medicines and medicinal compounds, fuel, energy, livelihoods and cultural and spiritual enrichment. They also contribute to the provision of clean water and air, and perform critical functions that range from the regulation of pests and disease to that of climate change and natural disasters. Each of these functions has direct and indirect consequences for our health and well-being, and each an important component of the epidemiological puzzle that confront our efforts to stem the tide of infectious and noncommunicable diseases.”

On a more local level, EcoHealth Ontario, has a number of reports which raise awareness to the health benefits provided by nature.

Many Ontarions are extremely proud of the Greenbelt and the protection it provides for our farmland, water resources and natural heritage in the Greenbelt. There are areas in Ontario
however, that do not have the same protection. Places to Grow has put a lot of development pressure onto municipalities in Simcoe County. Although the Province has mapped the Agricultural and Natural Heritage Systems and recognizes the synergies between them and water resource systems which is significant, it is not enough. There are properties/development application that may not have coverage and municipalities may refine them in a way that might not benefit the majority of citizens in their community. The protection of the Lake Simcoe watershed is vital to the health of Lake SImcoe as well (which provides drinking water to some communities). There are also many people in the rural areas on private wells. Significant recharge areas are not only important for municipalities on wells but also for the local people on private wells and for the agricultural operations that rely on clean and abundant water which will only become more significant with climate change. Significant recharge areas are also vital for coldwater streams and coldwater species such as brook trout, again which affect Lake Simcoe.

If municipalities are successful in building compact, complete communities, then there is no need for large highways that carve up and fragment farmland, water resources and natural heritage. Such highways just bring more development pressure.

My favorite part of the Provincial Policy statement (which is also the wisest) is the following:

"Taking action to conserve land and resources avoids the need for costly remedial measures to correct problems and supports economic and environmental principles."

Once groundwater becomes polluted, it can take decades to show up. And once groundwater is contaminated, it is very expensive to try and clean up.

Can we afford offsets with the urgency of climate change and biodiversity loss? Can it really be expected that people can design wetlands better than nature? Can we afford to wait 20 years?

Wetlands are great at improving water quality, assist with flooding and are vital for wildlife. Ecologically significant recharge areas are vital to maintaining them.

Insect populations are declining worldwide and this includes pollinators essential for agricultural operations and our plant and tree species that support wildlife and the food web. Thirty percent of the food and drink we consume rely or benefit from pollinators including bees (Xerces Society). Loss of habitat and climate charge are some of the factors driving their loss. Everyone has heard/noticed the huge declines in Monarch butterfly populations.

As climate change continues and our populations increase, there will be greater competition for clean water and clean food.

Nature can only do so much. Ecosystems are like the game Jenga. You can pull out some pieces for a while and it remains standing but eventually if you pull out too many or a vital piece, the whole thing collapses.

The PPS says it all:

"Strong communities, a clean and healthy environment and a strong economy are inextricably linked. Long term prosperity, human and social well being should take precedence over short-term considerations."

Sometimes Council members fail to take heed.

Please take action to expand the Greenbelt, not only for the areas mentioned but also for Simcoe County. Every Ontarion deserves the right to a healthy environment.

Thank you.