Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy has issued the following statement in response to the Auditor General’s special report on the Government of Ontario’s decision to remove 15 parcels of land from Greenbelt protection:

“I share the concerns raised by mayors and councillors across Ontario as well as many residents and advocacy groups following the release of the Auditor General’s special report on changes to the Greenbelt boundaries.

The decision to permanently remove protections from 15 parcels of Greenbelt land poses an environmental and agricultural threat and will not meaningfully contribute to meeting Ontario’s pressing housing needs.

I join other mayors in calling on the Government of Ontario to abandon its plan to develop the Greenbelt.

The Town of Whitby continues to face significant infrastructure gaps, including the need for a new hospital and additional family physicians, and mental health supports. It is critical that the Government of Ontario address these gaps alongside initiatives to increase the housing supply.

Findings from the Auditor General’s report indicate that the decision to remove lands from Greenbelt protection was biased, gave preferential treatment to certain developers, and did not include input from experts or affected parties.

The report finds there is no evidence that these lands are needed to meet the provincial government’s housing target.

The lack of transparency around these decisions by the Government of Ontario has impacted public trust in all levels of government.

It is encouraging that the provincial government will accept and implement the majority of the recommendations outlined in the Auditor General’s report. However, this situation highlights the need to carefully and transparently consider the environmental, agricultural, and financial impacts of development and follow established best practices for land use planning.

I thank the Auditor General for her work to bring these important issues to light and I stand with the many residents and elected officials who continue to advocate for the protection of the Greenbelt.”

For media inquiries, please contact:

Jillian Follert
Public Affairs Coordinator, Office of the Mayor
Phone: 289.314.9101
Email: follertj@whitby.ca

Erin Mikaluk
Manager, Communications and Creative Services, Town of Whitby
Phone: 289.314.6913
Email: mikaluke@whitby.ca