I am horrified that this…

I am horrified that this government is so short sighted as to think that destroying critical habitats and farmland in order to further urban sprawl is a good idea. The Greenbelt is crucial to protect our province from climate change impacts such as flooding, as the wetlands and green spaces it provides can mediate extremes in temperature and precipitation. We have seen over the past few years how the climate crisis is worsening, increasing severe weather and causing grave damage (for example, in Lytton BC). In Southern Ontario, one of the largest risks in a changing climates comes from flooding in population centres, and loss of viable farmland.

The changes suggested in this regulation appear set to make both outcomes worse. The wetlands in protected Greenbelt areas are essential for capturing rainwater runoff before it can flood more populous areas. In addition, by seeking to build new homes in protected areas, Ontario commits itself to expanding urban sprawl - worsening the climate crisis through increased emissions.

I urge the government to keep its promise not to touch the Greenbelt and instead look to build much more densely in urban areas, particular areas with strong transit infrastructure.

Ripping up the Greenbelt is short-sighted and dangerous, and will only make homes more expensive in the long run by imposing greater environmental risks and expanding unsustainable and inefficient sprawl. This government must take real, meaningful action to build sustainably for the future instead.

I would also request that the government investigate the possible collusion between the Conservatives and developers who have been spending hundreds of millions of dollars on Greenbelt lands over the last few years. It seems obvious that there have been backroom dealings happening here, with both parties obviously benefitting from this egregious destruction of protected lands.