Ford declares open season on Greenbelt lands

July 26, 2023

QUEEN'S PARK — Ontario Greens leader and MPP for Guelph Mike Schreiner released the following statement in response to reports that developers purchased 524 acres of the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve in June.

“It’s disgusting that the Ford government is rolling out the red carpet for wealthy, well-connected land speculators to cash in on destroying the land that feeds us, protects us from flooding and cleans our drinking water.

Ford has effectively declared open season on the Greenbelt – and his reckless giveaways only set the stage for future destruction.

So it’s no surprise that speculators are rushing to cash in – buying up hundreds of acres of land that should be protected in perpetuity. Everyday folks will pay the price for Ford’s reckless disregard for our food security and safety.

The Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve is the crown jewel of the Greenbelt, and one of the most ecologically sensitive areas in Ontario.

Its farmlands are some of the richest in North America. Its wetlands, rivers, forests and wildlife habitats are a biodiversity anchor for the entire Rouge area.

Everyday Ontarians will gain nothing by paving it over.

We don’t need million-dollar homes in the Greenbelt. The government’s own housing taskforce has debunked the claim that these lands are needed for housing.

We need homes that people can afford, in connected, affordable communities designed for people, not wealthy speculators.

Ontario Greens will continue to work across party lines to push back against Doug Ford’s Greenbelt destruction and call for the repeal of Bill 23.”

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