In Doug Ford's Ontario, the answer is, "Plenty of people."
Yesterday I attended a rally to protest the provincial government's plans to override local democracy and extend urban boundaries into the valuable Greenbelt and farmlands (a.k.a The Doug Ford Discharging His Debt To Developers Act). By the robust turnout, it was clear that the premier is fooling few with his claim that such is needed to create affordable housing. Indeed, affordable housing today is something of an oxymoron, isn't it?
While much more needs to be said, an unanticipated visit to the dentist this morning forces me to keep this post brief. Just who are these developers? Clicking on this CBC link affords some answers, as will this one to the Hamilton Spectator. Draw your own conclusions.
As well, these letters from readers show that Ford's veneer of concern and rectitude is quite thin:
Ontario backtracks on Greenbelt pledge with plan to allow housing on 7,400 acres, Nov. 4
It’s no wonder people don’t vote. Why bother, when too often it seems that promises made aren’t promises kept.
Why pay attention to a politician’s platform when we suspect it is nothing but lies in order to get votes? Premier Doug Ford said he wouldn’t touch Ontario’s Greenbelt, and many believed him. I would wager there isn’t a single person in this province who doesn’t believe that his housing plan is simply a way to appease his developer buddies. We all know, there is no need to carve portions out of the Greenbelt for the building of homes. In his usual way, Ford acts without thinking things through, ignoring the experts and public opinion.
Greenbelt is for nature, not housing, Nov. 9
After reading the above editorial and realizing Ontario’s own housing affordability task force found there was no need to intrude on our Greenbelt for new housing, I now understand what Premier Doug Ford is up to.
The only reason he wants the Greenbelt properties is to appease his developer buddies who have bought up lands in anticipation of Ford’s takeover of huge sections for them to build on. This would destroy precious watersheds, wetlands, farmlands and animal habitats which should be preserved in perpetuity. Discussions are going on right now to determine the fate of the Greenbelt, and the answer to its destruction should be an emphatic NO.
Jane White, Scarborough
It has been said that sunlight is one of the best disinfectants. Clearly, there is the need for some heavy-duty sanitization of the Doug Ford regime.
Hey, Lorne. I thought you should have a look at this. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/13/opinion/coronavirus-ukraine-climate-inflation.html?unlocked_article_code=2hk_7SnZPWXZFfAdk8dFdE_aqGz1nSqd70Wlz305DjPy_LANga1N4IX7F_-UF-tcD9Ti6O8KUKfCvDid99BBqRiuCMftzb6QMl4wx0y_-BphY88Tv-AaaUe8cN2Tb_PRpAApPnej_E7kI8ZA-6ZHVqiGuwiBgVZ-_SJ-mAo6GwuP5vaCl3xlMauh1gbJk3Es4rJlkJ4CgjdvfSrDGCdsWU6tqKbIselQen7iKsi0-cg7B8b5g146hGApxN7vZOohqudmo2ecydGd4IO9GLRehOUHMKLaWnBG-LfEcw1qZ-Frl5xLmH3zDBwRKAhpIFezBxkN8P5dOd9IzD_lMAbSiXOl8ap38wt9pNPrmug2xOE&smid=em-share
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for the link, Mound. I have wondered for some time whether what Homer-Dixon and Rockstrom discuss as risk synchronization isn't just another way of saying Nature is seeking to achieve a new homeostasis. As for the suggestion of a worldwide scientific collaboration, well, I suspect that would be as successful as our 'efforts' to combat climate change.
DeleteAt every turn we're slamming headlong into walls and each time we do we emerge less resilient, more at risk from the next.
DeleteIt seems so strange to me, Anon, that we should so willingly continue plunging headlong toward the abyss.
DeleteThe real estate industry has a huge influence on today's political decisions.
ReplyDeleteHere in BC the late "Liberal' government sold crown companies to favour their votes and campaign monies.
The sale of BC Rail is a prime example\ which was followed by the sale/ give away of prime crown forestry land on Vancouver Island.
From your comment, Anon, it is clear Ontario has a monopoly on neither political sleaze nor corruption.
Delete