‘Hands off Greenbelt,’ protest over Bill 23 held at Oakville MPPs’ office
Published November 25, 2022 at 12:18 pm
Some 300 Oakville residents made their voices heard Friday (Nov. 25) over the province’s Bill 23 and the development of the Greenbelt.
A “Days of Action” rally was held outside Conservative MPP Stephen Crawford’s constituency office near the corner of Rebecca St. and Kerr St. from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in an effort to tell the Ontario government to keep their “hands off the Greenbelt” and stop Bill 23.
Grassroots organizers, with the help of Environmental Defence, have been holding rallies at MPPs’ offices across the province.
The group is a Canadian environmental advocacy organization that works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.
“Wetlands, forests, conservation lands and the Greenbelt are all under threat!,” said the organization on its website. “Only a major outpouring of public opposition can stop these dangerous attacks on Ontario’s environment – so please join these inspiring organizers and make your voice heard!”
The pop-up rally is aimed at showing the province the concern residents have about the “disastrous effects Bill 23 will have on our greenspace, farmlands, watersheds and natural systems.”
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Opponents to Bill 23 say it will not build affordable housing, but will instead increase property taxes and sprawl.
Residents were encouraged to bring their own sign.
“I know how I feel about Bill 23 and I know where I’ll be at 11:30 a.m. today,” said Bruno Sousa, who was the Green Party candidate for Oakville in the last provincial elections. “Looking forward to seeing the leaders of our community there.”
