DELIVERED BY EMAIL Re: Review of a Place to Grow and Provincial Policy Statement ERO Number 019-6177

The Growth Plan was Created to Better Protect Natural Heritage Features and Agricultural Systems in the Greater Golden Horseshoe The Places to Grow Act (“PGA”) was enacted to direct growth away from important agricultural lands and natural heritage areas. [...] The Hansard debates for the first and second reading of the PGA reflect the need to better protect natural heritage resources and agricultural lands from development. [...] We must build in a way that integrates and brings together all the elements required to build stronger communities and a robust economy, while at the same time protecting the environment and other valuable natural resources.4 […] By showing where growth should occur, it will help us to develop the public infrastructure needed to support that growth, while at the same time protecting for future gen. [...] 2.2.8.3.(e) and (f) Letter from CELA - 3 The necessity for protecting natural heritage features and the agricultural system in the Greater Golden Horseshoe remains critical to ensure the PGA fulfills its intended purpose and to protect significant ecological and agricultural lands from degradation. [...] Conclusion CELA is opposed to combining A Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe with the Provincial Policy Statement, and to any further diminishment of protections 13 Report of the Ontario Housing Affordability Task Force, (February 8, 2022) at 10.