Local groups, officials react to auditor general’s Greenbelt report

A number of local groups and elected officials are reacting to the auditor general’s report on the Greenbelt.

Hamilton councillor once claimed he’d go in front of a bulldozer to stop developers, and according to Environment Hamilton, they wouldn’t be shocked if that becomes a reality after the auditor general released its report and the Ford government showed an unwillingness to re-asses the lands.

More than 1,800 acres of crop, wildlife and trees along book road in Ancaster are slated for removal, following the Ford government double downing on continuing its Greenbelt plan.

Environment Hamilton’s Ian Boresuk believes citizen pushback will be even stronger in the future, after Ontario’s auditor general report stated the selection process of the land between Shaver and Fiddlers Green Rd. and 14 other sites across the province — was biased and favoured developers who own the properties.

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The province pledged to start building at least 50,000 homes by 2025.

Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath says she supports the auditor general’s findings, and the book road site accounts for 25 per cent of all re-designated Greenbelt land. She also adds the area is partially restricted due to it proximity to the airport.

The report stated four other Greenbelt sites in Hamilton were included in the government’s plans.

Meanwhile at Queens Park, Premier Doug ford reaffirmed the plan will stay intact and took aim at a city in our area.

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Doug Ford said the area in charge is Burlington, and they had plans for 29,000 houses, but they’ve only managed to construct 208 so far, which is just 5 per cent. Ford said he appreciates the mayors work, but it’s important to address the issue right now.

However, Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward rejects the premiers claim.

The mayor says she also supports the findings in the report and says Burlington maintains its commitment to build within its urban boundary. She did say she reached out to the premiers office for a meeting and is waiting for a response.