ERIN – Council in the Town of Erin were divided on whether or not to support a Greenbelt expansion plan within the municipality at a meeting this week.
Mayor Michael Dehn for one was adamant the town do a better job of protecting rural areas.
He suggested using Greenbelt land choices as “leverage” with the province to seek help with other projects.
Councillor Bridget Ryan was keen to protect the environment, and stated taking a look at the bigger picture of climate litigation is integral.
Dehn reiterated these concerns.
A county report says staff are of the opinion that the Greenbelt Plan is doing its job reasonably well and that the expansion area is not under threat of urban development warranting additional protection.
Dehn said he’s not against the greenbelt in nature.
Ryan stated several worries with neglecting to look at climate change moving forward.
Councillor Cathy Aylard said she too will continue to keep the environment in mind making planning decisions.
In the end council voted to endorse the provincial plan to further expand the greenbelt In Erin, though several councillors voted in opposition.
