This is an incredibly…

This is an incredibly irresponsible and ineffective proposal that will not provide adequate affordable housing. Sprawl is not affordable. Affordable housing options are those that are created within urban areas. This proposal unsustainable both fiscally and environmentally.

The green belt is comprised of environmentally significant habitats and endangered species that should stay protected. Furthermore, it includes large areas that help to control flooding. Paving over these areas will result in massive losses to flood damage each year.

The Greenbelt provides $3.2B annually in ecosystem services to the region, including $224M per year in flood protection for private property and $52M per year in carbon sequestration.

The Ford government made a public promise not to touch the green belt after facing public backlash the last time they attempted to sell chunks of it off to developers. The government is meant to serve in the best interests of the public, not their own pockets. Furthermore, the Ford government’s strategy of crippling our public services in order to make privatization seem like the only option is beyond shameful.