Protest against urban sprawl and Greenbelt loss planned this weekend in Mississauga

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Published December 2, 2022 at 4:15 pm

greenbelt

Those opposed to urban sprawl encroaching on Greenbelt land can join a protest this weekend in Mississauga.

In November, Premier Doug Ford’s government announced a plan to remove land from the protected Greenbelt in order to build at least 50,000 new homes, while adding new land to it elsewhere – contradicting a pledge made last year.

The plan would remove about 7,400 acres in 15 different areas from the Greenbelt, which was created to protect environmentally sensitive regions from development

That announcement sparked anger and questions around the fact that some prominent developers who are progressive Conservative donors stand to benefit from the move.

The protest in Mississauga is one of many “Days of Action” rallies to tell the Ontario government to keep their “hands off the Greenbelt” and stop Bill 23.

“Wetlands, Forests, Conservation Lands and the Greenbelt are all under threat!” Environmental Defence writes on their 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 Mississauga protest is on Sunday (Dec. 4) from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. outside City Hall in Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Dr.

The group will rally with signs, walking along Duke of York, stop at Rathburn Road and Duke of York intersection, before walking back to city hall.

Rally organizers — Sustainable Mississauga, Mississauga Climate Action, Shade of Miti, Sierra Club Peel, Stop Sprawl Peel in Mississauga — say they have plenty of signs for participants but people can bring their own and even wear a green costume.

They ask participants to be respectful as they will be taking photos and making videos for social media and the web.

“Let’s make our voices heard to ensure we build sustainable communities and protect the natural and agricultural lands we still have left!” the organizers write.

To find out more and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.

With files from the Canadian Press

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