As noted in our last Newsletter, we have been focused on understanding the complex legal protections of Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve – here is what we have learned and what you can do to help regain all prior protections.
After public outcry and the release of the scathing Auditor General of Ontario’s Report and the Integrity Commissioners Report, on September 21, 2023, Premier Ford stated ”I’ll be reversing the changes we made while Bill 136 Greenbelt Statute Law Amendment Act, 2023, promised to ‘restore the same protections to lands that they had before the 2022 amendment’.
Prior to November 2022, the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve (DRAP) was safeguarded by four layers of legislation for agricultural use:
1. 2005 Greenbelt Act
2. 2005 Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve Act (DRAPA)
3. 2003 Ontario Regulation 154/03 / Minister’s Zoning Order
4. 2012 Central Pickering Development Plan
However, a review of legislation relevant to DRAP shows that only two of the original four layers of protection - the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve Act, 2023 and Greenbelt Plan 2023 - were reinstated, while Ontario Regulation 154/03 / Minister’s Zoning Order and the Central Pickering Development Plan have NOT been reinstated.
It is important that these two legal protections are reinstated IMMEDIATELY!
HERE IS WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP (DEADLINE NOVEMBER 30)
2. Sign Stop Sprawl Durham Greenbelt Act ERO – requesting reinstatement of the CPDP and Ontario Regulation 154/03 / Minister’s Zoning Order
ROAD TRIP TO QUEEN’S PARK NOVEMBER 30th HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE
Finally, on November 30, 2023 Housing Minister Calandra has scheduled just one hour of legislative hearing on the Greenbelt Legislation – the same day as the Kitchener Centre by-election when opposition leaders and MPPs will be offsite in that riding.
Stop Sprawl Durham will be joining Greenbelt Promise at Queen’s Park between 12:30-2:30 to let the Ford Government know that we care about the Greenbelt and that we are watching this government. Please see details here. Do you give a hoot about the Greenbelt?
WHILE STOP SPRAWL DURHAM WILL NOT BE LEADING THE FIGHT AGAINSTVBROADER GREENBELT RISKS, WE ARE SUPPORTING THE WORK OF THOSE WHO ARE!!
HERE IS HOW YOU CAN HELP
