McGuinty Government Outlines Criteria To Expand Greenbelt Boundaries
For Immediate Release
February 21, 2008
TORONTO – The Ontario government wants to hear Ontarians’ ideas on how to consider requests to expand the Greenbelt’s boundaries and further protect countryside areas.
“As the Greenbelt nears its third anniversary, Ontarians and municipalities have seen how it benefits their communities. We want to help municipalities strike the right balance between protecting greenspaces and meeting the needs of their growing communities,” said Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
The government has developed draft criteria that, once finalized, would be used to consider requests from regional, county and single-tier governments to expand the Greenbelt’s boundaries. Requests to reduce the size of the Greenbelt or remove areas from it would not be considered.
The draft criteria are available for review and comment on the ministry’s website at www.greenbelt.ontario.ca. Comments must be received by April 30, 2008. They are also posted on the Environmental Bill of Rights Registry which can be accessed at www.ebr.gov.on.ca.
“Growing the Greenbelt, which is already the size of Prince Edward Island, means more green space to help reduce the impact of global warming facing our province,” said John Gerretsen, Environment Minister. “This is good for everyone in Ontario not just those in the Greater Golden Horseshoe.”
The Greenbelt Council recommended last year that the government develop criteria to consider Greenbelt expansion requests.
“Today’s announcement is evidence that the government is taking our advice seriously. This is the beginning of the process to expand the Greenbelt,” said Dr. Robert Elgie, Chair of the Greenbelt Council.
“This important announcement will strengthen the Greenbelt's ability to protect the things Ontarians love. We congratulate the McGuinty government for its continuing leadership in safeguarding Ontario’s precious greenspace and look forward to getting to work with the Province and municipalities to expand the Greenbelt,” said Dr. Rick Smith of Environmental Defence.
The Greenbelt, which was created in February 2005, permanently protects more than 1.8 million acres of agricultural and environmentally sensitive land around the Greater Golden Horseshoe. The Greenbelt is part of the McGuinty government’s commitment to environmental protection. It is also a key component of the province’s reform of the planning system, which includes changes to the Provincial Policy Statement and the creation of the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Most recently, reforms to the Planning Act that came into force on January 1, 2007, complement the Greenbelt by providing additional municipal tools that encourage sustainable development.
-30-
Backgrounder:
Ontarians Invited To Comment On Growing The Greenbelt
Contacts:
Adam Grachnik
Minister Watson’s Office
416 585-6492
Audrey Bennett
Provincial Planning Policy Branch
416-585-6014