Protect Our Greenbelt - Presentation

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Published on Thursday, 21 February 2019 16:20

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Did you miss the presentation in Guelph on February 2, 2019 
with guest speakers Victor Doyle (architect of Ontario's Greenbelt) and Mike Schreiner (MPP and Ontario Green Party Leader)?

Victor Doyle has kindly given us a PDF copy of his presentation to share with all.
He explains the importance of a Greenbelt plan.

View Victor Doyle's presentation.

Sign the petition to Protect Farmland, Forests and Our Water

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Published on Thursday, 21 February 2019 02:37

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The Ontario government is bowing to the pressure of sprawl developers again. Premier Doug Ford is proposing opening up sensitive farmland, forests and watersheds to sprawl development by changing the Growth Plan. This is the policy that directs where towns and cities can and cannot build.

The government claims the changes to the Growth Plan will help build more housing in the Greater Golden Horseshoe. But the changes will actually allow factories and sprawling subdivisions to be built on farmland and sensitive natural areas. This will not reduce the price of housing or give us the new housing types we need. Instead, sprawl will threaten our local food supply, create gridlock, and increase our property taxes.

Sign the petition by Environmental Defence Canada. 

Ford Government Retracts “Open-for-Business” Planning Tool in Bill 66

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Published on Tuesday, 29 January 2019 15:11

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By North Dufferin Agricultural and Community Taskforce (NDACT)

January 25, 2019

Melancthon, ON - On January 23, 2019, Steve Clark, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing tweeted that the government "will not proceed with Schedule 10 of the Bill".

This is good news, an obvious response to a huge public outcry, which included social media campaigns #StopBill66 and #KillBill66 as well as resolutions by municipalities not to use the new planning tool proposed in Schedule 10.

The Minister’s tweet was quickly touted as a win by activist and environmental groups.  The people’s message was strong and clear:  We worked hard for Ontario’s environmental legislation to protect our families, communities and future generations.  Hands off.

It should be noted that Bill 66 still proposes to repeal the Toxics Reduction Act, 2009, which eliminates industry obligations to report publicly on their uses of toxic substances and to identify options to reduce those substances through toxic reduction plans.

Also, according to the Council of Canadians, Bill 66 would still result in:

–     Employees working significant amounts of overtime without pay.

–     Lower wages for unionized construction workers in many sectors of the economy.

–     Daycares with more children and fewer staff to look after them.

–     Less qualified caregivers in public schools and daycares after hours programs.

–     Less protection from dishonest business practices by wireless companies.

–     Long term care facilities being operated by corporations without experience and with less oversight.

While NDACT’s Food & Water First mandate has been satisfied in the retraction of Schedule 10, our Members continue to be concerned.

This is the second time the Ford government has proposed and retracted plans that would jeopardize the Greenbelt in the seven months since the election. It is apparent that developers and businesses have Premier Ford’s ear and that Ontario’s protected spaces are viewed as obstacles or assets for sale.  We need to be cautious.

Stay Informed

On Saturday, February 2, 2019, NDACT is hosting a “Protect Our Greenbelt” free event in the University of Guelph Arboretum Centre.

You are invited to learn about the anticipated impacts of the Ford government's pro-business pro-development strategy from our guest speakers:

˜  Mike Schreiner, MPP & Green Party of Ontario Leader

˜  Victor Doyle, architect of Ontario’s Greenbelt

Schedule 10 of Bill 66 would have negated four decades of work by groups and individuals who fought for Ontario's environmental protections.

Congratulations on the win everybody. Stay vigilant!

Date: Saturday, February 2, 2019

Time: 10am to noon

Location: OAC Centennial Arboretum Centre
       University of Guelph
       College Avenue East
         Guelph, ON N1G 2W1

Cost: Free. Register. 

Bill 66 Update - January 23, 2019

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Published on Friday, 25 January 2019 20:42

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On January 23, 2019, after a huge public outcry including municipalities that resolved not to use the new tool, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing tweeted that the government "will not proceed with Schedule 10 of the Bill".

This is the second time the Ford government has retracted plans that would jeopardize the Greenbelt since the election on June 7, 2018. The writing is on the wall.

Note that Schedule 5 of Bill 66 proposing to repeal the Toxics Reduction Act, 2009 still stands.

Legislature is set to resume February 19, 2019.

The "open-for-business" planning aspects of Bill 66 would have negated four decades of work by groups and individuals who fought for Ontario's current environmental protections. Congratulations on the win everybody. Now stay vigilant!

Ontario Greenbelt Coalition's Submission Regarding Bill 66

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Published on Friday, 18 January 2019 21:11

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Dear Mr. Helfinger and Mr. Petersen,

RE: 013-4293 Bill 66: Restoring Ontario’s Competitiveness Act, 2018; 013-4125
Proposed open-for-business planning tool; 013-4239 New Regulation under the Planning Act for open-for-business planning tool

The Ontario Greenbelt Alliance members have deep concerns about many aspects of Bill 66, Restoring Ontario’s Competitiveness Act, 2018. The proposed legislation would override critical requirements, under several provincial laws and policies that are designed to protect water, farmland, natural heritage and human health. It would do so in a fashion that undermines fair, consistent and transparent public engagement in decision-making and sets the stage for costly property tax increases to subsidize economically inefficient sprawl development.

Collectively, our organizations represent thousands of citizens across the Greater Golden Horseshoe. On their behalf we urge the government not to proceed with Bill 66, Schedule 10 for the reasons outlined below and trust that they will be considered with respect to all three relevant ERO postings (i.e., 013-4293, 013-4125, 013-4239).

Bill 66 would allow municipalities to pass “open-for-business” zoning by-laws that would circumvent fundamental protections for drinking water, farmland, natural heritage and human health set out in Ontario’s key planning laws and policies and in municipal official plans. The potential negative impact is far-reaching and profound.

Continue to read OGA's submission.