‘If municipalities like Severn speak up, it.. protects farmland, protects water, and ultimately ensures the next generation has a livable place,’ says ex-premier
ORILLIA – Former Ontario premier Kathleen Wynne addressed Severn Township council Wednesday morning with a request she described as both personal and urgent, concerning a review of Ontario’s Greenbelt that is required by law to start before the end of 2025.
Wynne, who was premier from 2013 to 2018, now resides in Simcoe County with her partner Jane and their young grandchildren. She told councillors that moving five years ago connected her more deeply to the land and the environmental issues at stake.
“This is an issue that’s very close to my heart, both at a policy level and at a personal level,” she said. “I have three grandchildren who have been born in the last five years, and I want them to grow up in a place where the natural environment is protected.”
Wynne has been actively involved in the Simcoe County Greenbelt Coalition, joining its board just over a year ago. The coalition consists of 47 member organizations focused on various aspects such as water quality, wetlands, and farmland preservation.
Their common goal, she explained, is to save land for future generations while pushing for stronger land-use policies at municipal and provincial levels.
A key part of Wynne’s presentation was reminding everyone that Ontario’s Greenbelt Act mandates a review every decade. The upcoming one must begin in 2025. She argued this review isn’t just about maintaining protections but also about enhancing them. She highlighted some measurable benefits already linked to the Greenbelt.
“It’s important because of the carbon offsets, 71 million tonnes a year, and the $3.2 billion worth of ecosystem value,” she stated. “There is $9.6 billion in annual economic impact and $224 million worth of flood prevention services. And I don’t think I need to tell anybody in this room the importance of adapting to climate change. It’s happening.
“So making sure that water protection and prevention is there, that we have green space that allows for flood prevention-this conversation addresses those issues,” said Wynne.
Even though Simcoe County isn’t entirely within Greenbelt boundaries, Wynne emphasized how its environmental aspects-especially water and farmland-are vital for long-term resilience in the region. She pointed out a proposal from 2018 aimed at including parts of Simcoe County within the Greenbelt while noting that nature doesn’t adhere to artificial borders.
“Mother Nature doesn’t know about the boundary of the Greenbelt,” she remarked. “Whatever impact there is on water or flooding south or north of it means we need to do everything possible to protect those critical features.”
Her appeal to Severn was for council members to support her motion regarding this review process. The proposed resolution stressed protecting ecologically significant landscapes permanently safeguarding farmland while helping municipalities manage growth pressures along with risks related to climate change or aggregate extraction. It urges collaboration between provinces and municipalities along with Indigenous nations and stakeholders for expanding Greenbelt protections.
The motion also refers back to the 2015 Coordinated Land Use Planning Review which suggested enlarging the Greenbelt into crucial hydrological areas like moraines and headwater systems as means for better ecological health protection.
Wynne made sure everyone understood this resolution does not endorse any specific expansion but aims instead at ensuring an effective review takes place.
“If we don’t have a systematic review then contentious issues fester until they become real problems,” she explained. “This motion does not ask for any specific support regarding expansion or protection measures; what it asks for is your backing towards creating an open discussion around strengthening our current Greenbelt.”
Council’s first reaction was mostly positive.
Councillor Philip Brennan expressed gratitude towards Wynne’s presentation stating that having guidelines under this framework directly benefited Severn.
“This Greenbelt complements Lake Simcoe Plan which significantly impacts this township all through Champion Hills,” he noted further saying transparency on biodiversity protection decisions are crucial given numerous lessons learned from studies conducted inside it-it serves as our first line against potential threats.” Brennan added valuable insights produced by Natural Asset Management work done by The Greenbelt Foundation helped guide local planning decisions ahead too.
“There will be immense challenges these days due pressure coming from oil & gas industries; getting these messages across can be tough so personally speaking I’m thankful you took time meeting us today.” Deputy Mayor Judith Cox supported his remarks asking if adoption could happen right away while staff clarified although Wynne had shared draft language officially presenting resolution would require being brought forward formally during Severn’s next meeting occurring two weeks later. Mayor Mike Burkett thanked Wynne once again mentioning several councillors referenced ongoing larger conversations surrounding development pressures versus losing farmlands makes timing perfect considering upcoming reviews related here. For Wynne herself who played part building original framework back when created first established back , her mission rallying grassroots momentum remains equally political yet deeply personal too. “Contentious topics will always exist,” she concluded finally adding : “But if municipalities like yours put forth voices behind them together , they’ll help shape meaningful discussions influencing actions taken forward thus ensuring farmland isn’t lost nor waters compromised giving future generations somewhere safe call home.” – Orillia Matters. com
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“This Greenbelt complements Lake Simcoe Plan which significantly impacts this township all through Champion Hills,” he noted further saying transparency on biodiversity protection decisions are crucial given numerous lessons learned from studies conducted inside it-it serves as our first line against potential threats.” Brennan added valuable insights produced by Natural Asset Management work done by The Greenbelt Foundation helped guide local planning decisions ahead too.
“There will be immense challenges these days due pressure coming from oil & gas industries; getting these messages across can be tough so personally speaking I’m thankful you took time meeting us today.” Deputy Mayor Judith Cox supported his remarks asking if adoption could happen right away while staff clarified although Wynne had shared draft language officially presenting resolution would require being brought forward formally during Severn’s next meeting occurring two weeks later. Mayor Mike Burkett thanked Wynne once again mentioning several councillors referenced ongoing larger conversations surrounding development pressures versus losing farmlands makes timing perfect considering upcoming reviews related here. For Wynne herself who played part building original framework back when created first established back , her mission rallying grassroots momentum remains equally political yet deeply personal too. “Contentious topics will always exist,” she concluded finally adding : “But if municipalities like yours put forth voices behind them together , they’ll help shape meaningful discussions influencing actions taken forward thus ensuring farmland isn’t lost nor waters compromised giving future generations somewhere safe call home.” – Orillia Matters. com
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