The lands making up the…

The lands making up the Greenbelt were included because they require protection to preserve their ecological integrity and agricultural importance.

Doug Ford's government promised not to open them up for development. In May 2018, Premier Ford wrote: “Unequivocally, we won't touch the Greenbelt […] people don't want me touching the Greenbelt.” Yet, here we are. Because developers who got Ford elected now see their chance in a premier who lacks both common sense and integrity.

It is totally unacceptable to use Greenbelt land for development, and it does not mitigate the damage to 'swap sections out' for other designated lands.

We are now in the midst of the 6th Great Extinction caused by human activity, notably, through climate change and the unsustainable use of land, water and energy. A recent Guardian article noted that "Earth’s wildlife populations have plunged by an average of 69% in just under 50 years,...as humans continue to clear forests, consume beyond the limits of the planet and pollute on an industrial scale."

Ford is proposing a false dichotomy when he says Ontario must open the Greenbelt for development in order to solve its housing crisis. We can protect the Greenbelt and build houses in existing cities and communities. It is not either/or. We can do both.

Ontario's Greenbelt must be protected. It contains vital resources that clean our air and water, provides a home for wildlife, reduces flood risks, decreases urban sprawl, and preserves nature for humans to enjoy.

Premier Ford: Honour your promise. Hands off the Greenbelt.