The Shared Path Consultation…

The Shared Path Consultation Initiative (Shared Path) is a charitable organization that is addressing the challenges and opportunities that emerge where land use change and Aboriginal and treaty rights intersect. Shared Path works towards a future in which Indigenous voices and rights form a sustained and integral part of how we share land, particularly with respect to land use planning law, policy, and governance in Ontario. The Greenbelt is an excellent opportunity for planners to connect and collaborate with Indigenous communities - who have stewarded the land for thousands of years - to make important land and water management decisions. As stated in the Greenbelt Plan: S. 1.2.1 “The successful realization of this vision for the Greenbelt centres on effective collaboration among the Province, other levels of government, First Nations and Métis communities, residents, private and non-profit sectors across all industries and other stakeholders”

We are excited by the prospect of expanding the Greenbelt and support, in principle, efforts to protect our shared environment. Our comments centre on s.5.1 of the Greenbelt Plan, which states: “This Plan must be implemented in a manner that is consistent with the recognition and affirmation of existing Aboriginal and treaty rights under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. The Ontario government shall consult with First Nations and Métis communities on decisions concerning the use of Crown land and resources that may affect Aboriginal and treaty rights within the area of the Greenbelt Plan.”

We are in support of expanding the Greenbelt, though we believe that some areas of the proposal need further clarification, particularly as it relates to Indigenous land and treaty rights.

• We would like assurance that Indigenous rights holding nations were involved in the decision to prioritize the Paris Galt Moraine and add Urban River Valleys.
• While we are supportive of adding Urban River Valleys, we would like to emphasize the need for further protections. The Urban River Valley designation is largely symbolic as it does not protect these lands from infrastructure developments that could disrupt Indigenous archaeology resources as well as important ecosystems.
• We would like assurance that Indigenous rights holding nations are being adequately consulted and accommodated throughout this and any future endeavour involving Greenbelt lands. We would like to note that meaningful consultation does not simply involve notification but requires repeated efforts to inform and discuss proposed changes with these nations and provide resources necessary for the communities to be able to engage.

In the attached letter, we respond to the set of questions posted on the ERO. We specifically focus on Question 1, Question 3, Question 5, and Question 6