This proposal should not…

This proposal should not proceed. There are far better ways to address the housing crisis in the province than to open development of any portion of the Green Belt.

For example, if the Provincial Ministries were to consider moving more Provincial employees to fully or partially remote work, hostelling could be used in consolidated offices, allowing the Province to save money by paying for less physical office space (buildings) and these building could be converted to affordable residential units. Further, some types of businesses in the private sector could be encouraged to do the same with one time or ongoing tax rebates. This would create more housing inside urban centers where it is most needed, and also reduce pollution and congestion by requiring fewer people to commute to work daily.

In addition, more people working remotely means that they would be able to move outside of areas like the GTHA, to seek housing in areas with less intense housing availability pressure.

Municipalities should also be strongly incentivised to reduce the impact of consultation from neighbours when it comes to the development of multi-family units. Apartment buildings belong everywhere and communities should not be allowed to gate-keep certain areas from having apartment builds and other forms of affordable housing.

These are just a few ideas that are far superior to developing Green Belt land. As such, this proposal is not necessary and should be rejected.