Region of Waterloo wants greener Greenbelt expansion

The province is thinking of widening its Greenbelt to include the Waterloo moraine under its protection, but Region of Waterloo councillors aren't so thrilled to jump on board.

Ken Seiling, the regional chair for The Region of Waterloo, told CBC News they are not satisfied with the current Greenbelt legislation because some standards are lower than those outlined in the regional policies.

The worry is that land and water that need protection might fall prey to loopholes created with the expansion.

"Our position is we're oppose to be included in the current legislation, unless they can guarantee the higher standards will apply," he said.

A 'homegrown' Greenbelt

In 2005 when the Greenbelt was first established to protect important natural areas and water resources in Ontario, Waterloo region was excluded.

As a result, the Region developed a "homegrown version of a Greenbelt" to protect its natural resources, said Kevin Thomason withSmart Growth Waterloo Region, a community organization advocating for sustainable city growth and countryside protection.

"We were able to do a better job in some cases," Thomason said.

A staff report to regional council advising the Region to oppose the Greenbelt expansion unless changes are made to ensure "the highest levels of protection" will prevail will be up for approval on March 7.

"Theoretically, they can legislate us into the Greenbelt legislation, and depending on how they frame it, it would take precedence over our plan. We think," said Seiling.

The province is looking at expanding the Greenbelt to include the Waterloo and Paris/Galtmoraine complex that spans across Waterloo region andBrant and Wellington Counties, along with a number of areas in Dufferin and Simcoe Counties.

March 7 is the last day for the public to submit their comments to the province.

Years of advocacy

Thomason said he has been fighting to include Waterloo region in the Greenbelt for years.

He acknowledges the region's concerns, but is optimistic the province will actively work on the legislation with council.

Thomason said the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Bill Mauro, sent a letter to each regional councillor saying the province hears the region's concerns and is happy to work with them.

"It's something very unprecedented," Thomason said. "That is extremely unusual to have a Minister reach out like that. It shows the province has heard them and is serious about this."

He encouraged people to speak up about what they want for the region.

"We've got a rapidly growing population, we have increasing development pressures, so we need to make sure we're getting the right protection that we need," he said.