I’m writing to you today in…

I’m writing to you today in support of the Greenbelt, Conservation Authorities and Ontario’s wetlands, woodlands and other natural areas.

I am opposed to the proposal to remove 7,400 acres of land from the Greenbelt, which was revealed on November 04.

The proposal claims that the lands removed will be "replaced" by adding land to the Greenbelt. However, much of the land that will supposedly be added is already protected. And, even if it weren’t already protected, the very possibility of "swapping out" the plots of land targeted for development destroys the permanence and certainty required for any part of the Greenbelt to function properly.

By permanently setting aside land for farming and natural heritage, the Greenbelt protects land from the intense speculation and development pressure in Southern Ontario. Without this permanent protection, agricultural land would quickly become completely unaffordable to farmers. Even raising the possibility of removing any land from the Greenbelt will create a speculative rush and intense development pressure on all the lands currently within the Greenbelt.

Bill 23 will further the destruction of critical natural areas in a time of climate crisis while also failing to deliver the urban transformation – or the affordable housing – that Ontario needs.
In conclusion, please desist from removing any lands from the Greenbelt – even if they are replaced by other lands in other areas– and repeal Bill 23.