Ford backtracks on Greenbelt development

“It was a mistake to open the Greenbelt.”

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With that, Premier Doug Ford pledged to reverse the changes to Greenbelt and further promised that he would not change it in the future during a press conference in Niagara Falls on Sept. 21.

Why it matters: The acres of land proposed to be taken out of the Greenbelt for development prompted concerns from agriculture groups about what other protected areas could be opened for development.

During the Niagara Falls press conference, Ford told reporters the 9,400 acres the province added will remain within the Greenbelt.

“I believe that opening the Greenbelt could make a big difference. That it would build 50,000 new homes, housing a minimum of 150,00 people,” Ford said. “But we moved too quickly and made the wrong decision.”

Ontario is growing at unprecedented speed and requires increased and diverse housing options to address the housing crisis, whether affordability or accessibility.

“We need to change the way we build these homes, building more density, and growing cities close to transit,” he said. “Using modular homes to make housing attainable, to build starter homes for new families and newcomers.”

He said holding builders and municipalities accountable to deliver on their commitments and cutting through red tape to speed up approvals are on the agenda.

“I’ve heard from our municipal partners; they’re ready to build, and they have the land to do so,” Ford finished.