In a previous post I summarized my response to the Staff report recommending input to the Provincial Review of the 4 Plans (Niagara Escarpment, Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, Greenbelt Plan and Growth Plan.) I indicated that there was one point that I was in disagreement with.  Although it turned out that my understanding of the recommendation was not completely accurate, the correct interpretation is still worrisome as it is essentially asking for a road map to allow removal of “protected” lands and to convert them to employment lands. I find it “worrisome” as I believe that the only way we are going to save lands for growing our food, for giving us the luxury of natural spaces, for protecting our water is if there is truly a finite supply of developal land.  On the other hand there could be circumstances which could make it appropriate.  So, I did join my Council colleagues in approving the recommendation.

The contentious point in the recommendation is as follows.  You can see it on page 9 of Schedule 1 if you click here and scroll down to last item on agenda.

Given that the Greenbelt Plan is likely only to be reviewed every ten years or more,it is recommended that the GB be amended to allow for the development of strategic employment lands adjacent to 400 series Highway if there is sufficient demonstration and justification provide to the satisfaction of the Minister and on the recommendation of the local and regional municipality.

My Council colleagues agreed with my suggestion that we should add feedback asking for there to be greater clarity in the appropriate legislation that a “generator” of fill is responsible for managing it in an environmentally sound manner.