As a member of the public in…

As a member of the public in the affected area, it seems pretty clear that the Ontario Government has overlooked what exactly people are looking for and instead pushing their own agenda by helping businesses to make more and more money without actually helping the population. I was very saddened to hear that this proposal was put forth, with limited time for public consultation, and may be pushed through even though the people do not actually want the Greenbelt to be replaced with housing units. It seems as though the Ontario government lacks the understanding of the value that greenspace provides to this province.

Ford claimed he is doing what the people want, but then also promised not to touch the Greenbelt, which seems like he actually doesn't respect the voters.

Reducing farmland is of concern as food prices continue to skyrocket, and it appears as though these decisions have been made in a vacuum and not understanding how reducing one thing will inevitably lead to higher costs in other areas if not carefully planned. Additionally, a number of the proposed plans will require additional development in entirely new areas as opposed to creating plans to help people in existing communities. These plans do not address how this will help the people facing the challenges now and are focusing on a "if we build it, they will come" approach.

Having read a number of recent articles related to this topic, it is clear that this space is not really even needed to build additional housing as each of the municipalities already have or are working towards plans that will allow them to expand their area or build more affordable housing. People generally do not seem to be in favour of these changes as the impacts on the environment and species at risk will be astrological, the housing is not guaranteed to be affordable, and the amount of reduced fees means that the money again will not be on the builder, but be put back onto the citizens of the province.

It is clear that the way the amendment has been planned clearly has not been fully thought through, as there is this assumption that the businesses that will make housing will do so at a lower cost, when they will clearly be working towards making as much of a profit as is possible. Either the Ontario Government does not understand that these organizations are for profit or simply doesn't care as long as they continue to get funded by these very same organizations. More and more it seems as though the government has forgotten that they work for the people, not the other way around.

The government should actually look at programs (such as changing bylaws that allow for more housing units to be built on a plot of land) that will help members of the public afford a home or have their loved ones move in with them, not tear down all of our green space to fill their pockets, which again, is not even needed.

I'd really like the government to make good on its promise not to touch the Greenbelt, as they originally indicated. The fact that this poorly planned amendment was put through really makes me concerned for Ontario's future and makes me lose a lot of faith in how this province is being run.