Ontario Construction News staff writer
Hundreds protested last weekend outside the Pickering office of Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy, demanding protection for the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve (DRAP), land that has been removed from the Greenbelt. It’s one of several protests held across Southern Ontario
Organized by citizens’ group Stop Sprawl Durham, the Pickering rally happened three days after the province’s auditor general report concluded last Thursday that the Ford government’s process for choosing sections of land to remove from Greenbelt protection for housing development was “heavily influenced” by a small group of developers who stand to make billions of dollars.
Premier Doug Ford says he accepts 14 of 15 recommendations in the AG’s report, but stands by the decisions and plans to build on the formerly protected Greenbelt.
Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe issued a statement on Friday, days after the release of the auditor’s report to raise a “number of concerns” and affirm the province has been clear that development planned in Pickering will go ahead.
“With this decision being imposed on us, we will vigorously fight for our city’s best interests,” Ashe said, adding the report is a reminder to consider the agricultural, environmental, and financial impacts related to development decisions.
“As such, we need a clear, evidence-informed process that prioritizes these factors,” he said. “We must ensure the necessary infrastructure, parks, and facilities are in place to support a high quality of life for both existing and new residents, and that all of the key stakeholders and agencies, as well as First Nations people, are consulted by the Province during this process.
“Above all, we demand that Pickering be made whole and that any future development of these lands pays for itself. Neither the city nor its taxpayers should subsidize private interests.”
He suggested bold action to get the issues of housing affordability and attainability under control.
“But it has to be done the right way,” he added. “If the province proceeds with this development, the City of Pickering’s needs and concerns must be addressed in a meaningful and transparent manner.”
Ontario Construction News staff writer
Hundreds protested last weekend outside the Pickering office of Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy, demanding protection for the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve (DRAP), land that has been removed from the Greenbelt. It’s one of several protests held across Southern Ontario..
Organized by citizens’ group Stop Sprawl Durham, the Pickering rally happened three days after the province’s auditor general report concluded last Thursday that the Ford government’s process for choosing sections of land to remove from Greenbelt protection for housing development was “heavily influenced” by a small group of developers who stand to make billions of dollars.
Premier Doug Ford says he accepts 14 of 15 recommendations in the AG’s report, but stands by the decisions and plans to build on the formerly protected Greenbelt.
Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe issued a statement on Friday, days after the release of the auditor’s report to raise a “number of concerns” and affirm the province has been clear that development planned in Pickering will go ahead.
“With this decision being imposed on us, we will vigorously fight for our city’s best interests,” Ashe said, adding the report is a reminder to consider the agricultural, environmental, and financial impacts related to development decisions.
“As such, we need a clear, evidence-informed process that prioritizes these factors,” he said. “We must ensure the necessary infrastructure, parks, and facilities are in place to support a high quality of life for both existing and new residents, and that all of the key stakeholders and agencies, as well as First Nations people, are consulted by the Province during this process.
“Above all, we demand that Pickering be made whole and that any future development of these lands pays for itself. Neither the city nor its taxpayers should subsidize private interests.”
He suggested bold action to get the issues of housing affordability and attainability under control.
“But it has to be done the right way,” he added. “If the province proceeds with this development, the City of Pickering’s needs and concerns must be addressed in a meaningful and transparent manner.”