Hoot Hoot – I Give Two Hoots About the Greenbelt Fiasco

Over the past two weeks, it’s become painfully clear just how desperate the Ford government is to bury the truth about the Greenbelt scandal. Instead of facing the consequences, they’re scrambling to silence critics, conceal records, and push the story out of public view.

We refuse to let this injustice be swept under the rug. The future of Ontario’s Greenbelt—our land, our water, our air—is on the line, and the public’s demand for transparency and accountability has never been more urgent.

The Greenbelt scandal started when the Ford government employed a secretive process to remove protections from 7,400 acres of precious Greenbelt land, handing it over to a handful of wealthy developers in exchange for less valuable properties elsewhere. The deal had the potential to funnel over $8 billion into the pockets of those developers, with no real assurances that affordable housing would be built. Auditors have called the whole process “chaotic” and “reckless,” revealing a troubling pattern of backroom lobbying and political cronyism. While a few resignations and an RCMP investigation have followed, the government’s continued attempts to bury the story show they fear the public won’t forget.

The Greenbelt is more than just land; it protects our drinking water, air quality, and provides climate resilience. It’s the boundary keeping urban sprawl at bay and protecting ecosystem services for future generations. When politicians trade it away for private profit, they break the public’s trust and put us all at risk.

That’s why we’re sounding the alarm and saying loudly and clearly: we give two hoots about the Greenbelt—and so should you. This fight isn’t over. We are taking decisive action to ensure that the upcoming 10-year review of the Greenbelt, Oak Ridges Moraine and Escarpment conservation plans are handled with the transparency, integrity, and care they demand.

Together, we have the power to safeguard Ontario’s natural heritage by holding the Government of Ontario accountable and demanding a thorough, fair review process.

If you care about clean air, safe water, and vibrant communities, now is the moment to raise your voice: against Bill 5 and Bill 17, but also to reinforce our ongoing commitment to the Greenbelt.

Join the movement and sign the petition here: Hoot Hoot – I Give Two Hoots About the Greenbelt Fiasco. We have already seen the truth: when we all give two hoots, real change is unstoppable.