Media conference to address Durham land grab

Sep 13th, 2006 8:40 AM

Who will speak for the Greenbelt? (September 13, 2006) Durham councillors will receive a failing grade this Thursday on smart growth for threatening the Greenbelt. The Sierra Club of Canada, Rouge Duffins Greenspace Coalition, Ontario Greenbelt Alliance, and Ontario Smart Growth Network (OSGN) will deliver an analysis of Durham Region’s failure to adhere to the spirit of the Greenbelt Act by approving an Official Plan that describes new growth areas on Greenbelt lands. “The people of Ontario assume that the Greenbelt Act protects critical ecosystems in southern Ontario in perpetuity. This assault on the Greenbelt Act by Durham Region illustrates that the Act has too many holes,” says Janet Pelley, chair of the Challenge to Sprawl campaign of the Sierra Club of Canada—Ontario Chapter. The OSGN has asked provincial opposition leaders to make clear their commitment to uphold and protect the Greenbelt plan. Ajax Mayor Steve Parish, the only Durham council member who has promised to vote against the Region's attack on the Greenbelt, will attend the event in the heart of the threatened Greenbelt lands. The Sierra Club of Canada will award “We Love Our Greenbelt” stickers to candidates for the November elections who have pledged to not accept any money from developers. The Sierra Club of Canada will also announce the new “Grow the Greenbelt” campaign and website. After this event, a 10-minute drive to a scenic lookout will provide an ideal location for panoramic photos of the threatened lands. WHAT: Media Conference WHEN: Thursday, September 14th, 11 a.m. WHERE: 2475 Altona Rd., near Cherrywood, Ontario (north-west of Pickering) WHO: • Steve Parish, Mayor of Ajax • Erin Shapero, Councillor, Town of Markham • Chris Winter, Chair, Ontario Smart Growth Network • David Donnelly, Ontario Greenbelt Alliance • Janet Pelley, Sierra Club of Canada -- Ontario Chapter • Dan McDermott, Sierra Club of Canada -- Ontario Chapter • Bonnie Littley, "Developer-free" candidate • Lida Gasser, "Developer-free" candidate For more information, contact: JANET PELLEY, 416-538-2856, DAN MCDERMOTT, 416-960-6075 Sierra Club of Canada—Ontario Chapter CHRIS WINTER (416) 533-1635 Ontario Smart Growth Network Directions: From HWY-401, take PROVINCIAL ROUTE 2/KINGSTON RD. north to ALTONA RD/RR-27. As you approach Sheppard Ave., keep LEFT at the fork to continue on ALTONA RD/RR-27. End at 2475 Altona Road, which is north of 3rd Concession Rd. and south of Taunton Rd.