Ontario’s recent decision to open parts of the Greenbelt for housing has come under scrutiny following a critical report from the provincial auditor general. The report, released earlier this week, highlights concerns about the lack of transparency in the decision-making process and the failure to adequately assess the environmental, agricultural, and financial impacts of the move.
The report reveals that a significant portion of the 30 square kilometers of land removed from the Greenbelt, approximately 92 percent, appears to be linked to three developers with direct access to the housing ministry. This revelation has raised questions about the fairness and impartiality of the decision.
The auditor general’s intention with this report was to provide the public with information about how the Greenbelt land was selected for removal. The decision-making process, according to the report, was “inappropriate,” prompting the auditor general, Bonnie Lysyk, to suggest that a reevaluation of the process is warranted. She emphasized that accepting such a flawed process sets a dangerous precedent that could lead to similar exercises in the future.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, in response to the report, stated that he was unaware of which specific sites would be selected for development until shortly before the official announcement. He pledged to adopt 14 out of the 15 recommendations outlined in the auditor general’s report.
Lysyk had a direct conversation with Ford, where she questioned him about his knowledge of the development sites and whether anyone had submitted information about the land. According to Lysyk, Ford unequivocally answered “No” to both queries.
Despite calls for further investigation, accountability, and even potential charges, the auditor general explained that the decision on such matters rests with the integrity commissioner. She asserted that the report has made clear recommendations, and she is open to discussing the findings further if requested.
The report has ignited a debate about the future of the Greenbelt and the need for transparent and responsible decision-making when it comes to land use and development in Ontario.