Ontario's mandatory 10-year review of the Greenbelt Plan, which was due to start on February 28, 2025, is months overdue, according to internal documents obtained by CBC News. This delay, coupled with a depleted Greenbelt Council, raises significant concerns among opposition politicians and environmentalists about the Ford government's commitment to protecting the Greenbelt, especially after a recent land swap scandal.
Launch of mandatory Ontario Greenbelt review months overdue: internal docs
Government of OntarioOntarioTorontoMinister Rob FlackEnvironmentEnvironmental conservation and preservationLegislationLaws
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Ontario's mandatory 10-year review of the Greenbelt Plan, which was due to start on February 28, 2025, is months overdue, according to internal documents obtained by CBC News. This delay, coupled with a depleted Greenbelt Council, raises significant concerns among opposition politicians and environmentalists about the Ford government's commitment to protecting the Greenbelt, especially after a recent land swap scandal.
Trending- 1 2005: Greenbelt created.
- 2 2020: Seven Greenbelt Council members resigned.
- 3 2022: Ford government announced land swaps from Greenbelt, leading to scandal.
- 4 February 28, 2025: Mandatory 10-year review of Greenbelt Plan was due to start.
- 5 Late March 2025: Internal documents show review had not formally begun.
- 6 June 10, 2025: Article published.
- 7 June 24, 2025: Sole remaining Greenbelt Council appointee's term expires.
- Risk to the long-term protection and integrity of the Greenbelt.
- Erosion of public confidence in the government's environmental management.
- Continued political scrutiny and criticism from opposition parties and environmental groups.
- Potential for a less rigorous or transparent review process, undermining its purpose.
What: Ontario's mandatory 10-year review of the Greenbelt Plan is months overdue, having been scheduled to begin on February 28, 2025. Internal documents confirm the delay, and the Greenbelt Council, which advises the minister, is almost entirely depleted, raising concerns among critics about the Ford government's commitment to the protected lands.
When: The review was due to start on February 28, 2025. Internal documents obtained indicate that as of late March 2025, the review had not formally begun. The Greenbelt was created in 2005. A scandal involving land swaps occurred in 2022. Seven council members resigned in 2020. The sole remaining appointee's term expires on June 24, 2025.
Where: The Greenbelt is located in Ontario, specifically protecting farm land and ecologically sensitive areas of the Golden Horseshoe region.
Why: The delay is attributed to the government's slow progress and potential reluctance to engage in public scrutiny, especially given past Greenbelt scandals. Critics fear a 'minimal' review that might not strengthen protections, while the government faces operational and reputational risks.
How: Internal documents obtained through a freedom of information request revealed the delay. The government has not formally launched the review process or reconstituted the Greenbelt Council, which is legally mandated to provide advice.