On a huge field, the billboard is already announcing the upcoming buildings. But when the government of the Canadian province of Ontario broke its promise not to touch Toronto’s “green belt”, it caused an outcry.
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Among the protesters is the Gasp (Grandmother Act to Save the Planet), which has been carrying out increased actions for weeks, especially outside the offices of elected provincial officials.
“This decision has destroyed my faith in the democratic process,” said Christine Hutchinson, who was demonstrating with the “Hands off the Green Belt” sign.
This highly committed resident of Oakville, west of Toronto, was reassured to see several municipalities voted against expanding their building limits.
But it all fizzled out.
By opening up 3,000 acres to urbanization a few months ago, Ontario’s Conservative Prime Minister Doug Ford broke his promise not to touch “the world’s largest greenbelt,” according to the official foundation responsible for its protection.
Photo Cole BURSTON / AFP
The 810,000 hectares, mostly private land, consist of rolling fields, forests and wetlands.
From the rocky bluffs of Niagara to the agricultural plains of the west, it takes the shape of a horseshoe around Toronto.
This agricultural land is among the most fertile in eastern Canada and has been under protection since 2005.
The Ford government has designated 15 sites for the construction of 50,000 homes, contributing to the goal of creating 1.5 million homes in the province by 2031.
To justify his about-face, Doug Ford cites Canada’s skyrocketing prices and new intake targets – Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government has announced it will take in 500,000 immigrants a year.
Newcomers settling mainly in large urban areas.
But for Brigitte Sopher, a resident of Whitevale, next to the Duffins-Rouge agricultural reserve where 2000 hectares of fields will become arable, this decision is crazy.
“These areas should be used to feed the local population, especially since supply problems will increase with climate change,” she says.
10 million inhabitants in 2050
The metropolitan city of Toronto embodies the worst case of the housing crisis in Canadian cities.
According to government forecasts, the population will increase from 6.8 to 10.2 million in 25 years.
The median price for a home in Ontario has nearly tripled since 2011, and the rent for a two-bedroom is over $2,500.
But “these areas play a crucial role in protecting against flooding,” worries Mike Schreiner, the only Green MP.
“And we know that with climate change we will be at increased risk of extreme weather conditions.”
Photo Cole BURSTON / AFP
“These spaces play a critical role in filtering the water that ends up in Lake Ontario,” adds Mark Winfield, professor of environmental science and urban planning at York University.
In addition, “this new law gives free rein to project promoters,” he adds.
“However, we observe that private groups do not build affordable housing unless they are forced to do so.”
“The problem isn’t the quantity, a lot of new housing is being built, but it’s inaccessible,” adds Barbara Ceccarelli, executive director of the Center d’accueil inheritance, a social housing structure.
The issue is so controversial in the country that the federal government has decided to intervene.
Canadian Environment Secretary Steven Guilbeault commissioned a study to understand “the potential impact on the integrity” of Rouge National Park, which the state manages.
He said the government can use federal environmental laws to block some developments.
But Brigitte Sopher fears that the study will come too late, as “the project sponsors are already preparing the ground”.