Chair Bradley’s statement on the protection of Green Belt lands

September 22, 2023

Regional Chair Jim Bradley offered the following statement regarding the announcement by Premier Ford that development will not be occurring in the Green Belt

“I applaud the provincial government’s decision to reverse their plans to permit development on lands designated as the Green Belt. I commend the government for responding to concerns expressed by many Ontarians about the potential impact of development on Ontario’s natural heritage and valuable agricultural land.

The Niagara Region is committed to working in close cooperation with the provincial government to achieve its goal of providing 1.5 million homes for the growing population of Ontario.

We, in the Niagara Region, have provided substantial land for housing development in our official plan and we are determined to ensure that housing development approvals will proceed expeditiously in our efforts to reach the housing goals of the Province.

Indeed, here in Niagara, we have a plan to not only meet our provincial housing targets but exceed them across many of our communities.  We currently have more than 30,000 units approved for construction, and we look forward to adding more.

I am certain that we can strike a balance between the pressing need to add more attainable housing to our market, while also protecting our rich natural heritage. Through our strong partnership with the provincial government we are ready to help them meet their goals.”

Media contact

Daryl Barnhart
Office of the Regional Chair
289-969-3441
daryl.barnhart@niagararegion.ca