MPP Neil Lumsden on Ontario’s decision to develop parts of Greenbelt

After dodging many requests to meet from protesters and Hamilton city councillors regarding the provincial government’s decision to develop parts of the Greenbelt, MPP Neil Lumsden spoke to CHCH News today.

In December, protestors gathered outside Hamilton Stoney Creek MPP Neil Lumsden’s office to argue the proposed development of the Greenbelt. Today Lumsden says Bill 23 is the solution to creating more affordable homes.

Michelle Tom from Stop Sprawl HamOnt says they reached out to Lumsden to arrange a sit-down meeting many times since December but are still waiting for a response. She says 88,000 acres are already set aside municipally and regionally for growth until 2051.

Hamilton city councillors invited Lumsden and MPP Donna Skelly to the City Council to talk publicly about Bill 23 but didn’t get a response. Lumsden says he didn’t get an invitation.

Danko says because Bill 23 would waive development charges, it would actually cost Hamilton taxpayers an estimated 25 million dollars, which is a 2.5% tax increase on every resident. Adding that this isn’t grandstanding, and they did send an invite after the motion was passed in council.

Stop Sprawl says they’ll continue to call for a sit-down meeting.