I am against the removal of…

I am against the removal of any lands for the existing Greenbelt. It is my understanding that enough land is already available for development within existing municipal boundaries to meet the requirements for the housing targets. In fact it is much better for meeting emission reduction goals for new housing to be built in existing communities rather than creating developments that will add to car-dependent urban sprawl.

Furthermore the Greenbelt protects farmlands and environmentally sensitive areas. Ongoing protection of these lands is needed for future food security and the ongoing need for clean water. It is especially reckless for Ontario, which has some of the best agricultural land in the country and is already losing over 300 acres a day, to consider developing on land that is protected in the Greenbelt.

The continuity of the Greenbelt is also important because there is connectivity between areas. Disruption of that connectivity could jeopardize the functions of sensitive and significant parts of the Greenbelt. Because of the connectivity and interdependence of various parts of the Greenbelt, replacing land taken with new parcels could never replicate the beneficial aspects of the original area.

Longterm planning is critical for the future health of this province and its residents. Removing land from the Greenbelt is short sighted.