Canadians from diverse backgrounds are coming together to address significant issues facing the country. One of the pressing topics is Ontario's Greenbelt, a protected area of green space, farmland, and watersheds surrounding the Greater Golden Horseshoe region. Established in 2005 by the provincial Liberal government, the Greenbelt was created to safeguard environmentally sensitive areas from urban development.

In 2022, Premier Doug Ford's Progressive Conservative government proposed removing 7,400 acres from the Greenbelt, intending to replace it with 9,400 acres of land already under protection. This plan faced backlash over perceived favoritism toward developers, lack of transparency, and insufficient environmental assessments, leading to its abandonment. The controversy highlighted significant flaws in Ontario's housing policy, overshadowing the critical question of how to balance Greenbelt protection with the need for housing.

With housing prices in the Greater Toronto Area averaging over $1 million, the debate intensifies: Can Ontario afford to keep every acre of the Greenbelt off-limits? As the provincial government prepares for a mandatory 10-year review of the Greenbelt, former Toronto mayor David Crombie and land economist Matthew Cory engaged in a discussion to find common ground on planning for the Greenbelt.

Crombie emphasized the Greenbelt's historical significance, stating, "The Greenbelt was established to conserve this environment. It carried a philosophy that ecology, economy, and community are mutually dependent." In contrast, Cory argued that the Greenbelt's boundaries were shaped more by political considerations than scientific ones. He noted, "The Greenbelt was never meant to be static," suggesting that adjustments may be necessary to accommodate growth.

Both experts acknowledged the need for a strategic rethinking of the Greenbelt review. Crombie pointed out that while there is available land outside the Greenbelt, the focus should not solely be on expanding housing through single-family dwellings. He stated, "We’re building community, not just housing."

Cory agreed that while there is non-Greenbelt land to develop, some areas within the Greenbelt should be reconsidered for development, especially those adjacent to existing urban areas. He argued that the original boundaries of the Greenbelt were drawn arbitrarily, limiting housing supply and pushing people to seek affordable options further from the city.

Crombie countered that the crisis lies not in the availability of land but in the need for affordable housing. He stressed the importance of collaboration between the development industry, communities, and the government to address housing needs effectively. "The market alone can’t do that, and government alone can’t do that," he said.

Cory highlighted that land has already been removed from the Greenbelt in the past without clear explanations, contributing to misconceptions about ownership. He noted that 90 percent of the Greenbelt is privately held.

Crombie expressed optimism about federal initiatives like Prime Minister Mark Carney’s "Build Canada Homes," a $6 billion program aimed at constructing affordable housing using public land and resources. He emphasized that while building in the Greenbelt may be a long-term goal, the immediate priority should be on creating affordable housing.

Cory agreed, stating that substantial financial resources are necessary to make a significant impact on housing availability. He pointed out that many newcomers to Canada seek affordable homes and are not willing to settle for subpar living conditions.

Crombie criticized the current government's approach to the Greenbelt, stating that their previous actions have damaged trust. He called for a transparent review process that involves community input. Cory added that the review should consider requests from municipalities, some of which have advocated for removing land from the Greenbelt.

Both experts concluded that there is no simple solution to the housing crisis and the Greenbelt's future. Crombie stated, "We need a big tent," while Cory emphasized the need for the Greenbelt plan to evolve into a practical document that reflects local realities. Crombie noted that the quality of the review process will be crucial in restoring trust in the government's handling of the Greenbelt.