I am concerned by any…

I am concerned by any proposal to reduce or adjust the greenbelt and strongly oppose it. In 2018, the government said "I want to be clear: We will not in any way entertain any proposals that will move lands in the greenbelt, or open the greenbelt lands to any kind of development.” Now this proposal is going back on that promise. I'm dismayed by the government once again going back on its promises and supporting developers over the wishes of the general public. This proposal seems like it is clearly helping rich developers who have their eyes set on particular tracks of land. Even if the proposal intends to increase the overall size of the greenbelt, key tracts of land should not be touched just because developers want it. The nature and special significance should be considered. Not all land is considered equal in terms of the ecosystem services that it provides. I also oppose all new highway proposals that are related to this, such as highway 413. In this age of severe climate change, building new highways is inappropriate, short-sighted, and wastes tax payer's money.

Generally, though the greenbelt should be increased (but not adjusted, just added to). The greenbelt provides local food. The greenbelt helps to direct development where it’s most needed; where there are services, like hospitals, schools and roads to make better use of our expensive infrastructure. Limiting urban growth in rural areas saves farmland from being paved and encourages sustainable growth in our cities. Ontario’s greenbelt is good for business. The total economic impact of greenbelt business activity is $9.1 billion in annual revenue to the provincial economy. Preserving the greenbelt protects nature and species-at-risk. Finally research shows the value of providing natural areas that people can visit improves our mental health and well-being, as well as child development. The government should be expanding the greenbelt, not adjusting or reducing it.

Sources:
https://environmentaldefence.ca/2019/07/16/ontarios-greenbelt-benefits/
https://davidsuzuki.org/science-learning-centre-article/biodiversity-on…