Friday, February 26, 2010

Don Valley to Join GTA Greenbelt

This was just released to the press:

Mayor Miller announces move to grow the Greenbelt in Toronto

Today, Mayor David Miller, Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Housing's Jim Bradley and Susan Houston of The Greenbelt Foundation, participated in an announcement of the City's intention to have the Don and Humber River Valleys designated as part of the Greenbelt.

"I can think of no more fitting way to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Ontario's Greenbelt than to have the Don and Humber Rivers become part of it. Torontonians are keen environmentalists and want to see our precious natural resources preserved," said Mayor Miller. "The future addition of these two valleys as requested by City Council would mean all three of our cherished river systems will be protected for generations to come."

This announcement signals the first step in designating the Don and Humber River Valleys are part of this permanently protected natural resource. If accepted by the provincial government after a review process, the Don and Humber River Valleys will join the Rouge River Valley as part of Toronto's additions to the Greenbelt.

"Ontario will continue to support efforts to curb urban sprawl by protecting our valuable farmland, countryside, water resources and wetlands, said Jim Bradley, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. "On the fifth anniversary of Ontario's incredible Greenbelt, Toronto's decision to pursue Greenbelt expansion is a great step in the right direction."

Ontario's Greenbelt protects 1.8 million acres of environmentally sensitive and agricultural land around the Greater Golden Horseshoe, including the Oak Ridges Moraine and Niagara Escarpment, from urban development.

Here is a link to the staff report on the proposal.

No comments: