Hamilton city councillors upset with Ontario’s handling of Greenbelt development

Members of Hamilton city council lashed out at Premier Doug Ford’s provincial government on Tuesday, accusing the province of corruption, anti-democratic behaviour and even abuse. Hamilton city staff told councillors what they could expect from provisions in the province’s legislation on the land development slated for Hamilton’s Greenbelt.

Ford is pushing for massive developments to build 1.5 million new homes in Ontario. Councillors were frustrated that the province is taking that local control and public consultation away from cities like Hamilton.

READ MORE: Rally at Ontario Place urging government to keep lands public

City of Hamilton’s planning department said, “Contrary to balanced decision making, have little regard for the protection of the natural environment and agricultural lands, it diminishes the importance of intensification in planning for growth, it does not enable local participation in decision making.”

Ward 15 councillor Ted McMeekin said the city is being stripped of its authority, “We’re not affectionately, referred too often as children of the province. Well, let’s stop the child abuse.”

Ward 8 councillor John-Paul Danko said, “This is a disaster for our city.” He also said, “…I think what many people are already saying at worst is straight-up corruption…” Councillors said the city’s ability to do its development planning job is being taken away.

Ward 12 councillor Craig Cassar said, “What we’re dealing with here is a provincial government that’s taking steps that seems contrary it seems to every principle of good urban planning.”

WATCH: David Crombie to make announcement about Greenbelt at 12 p.m.

During the meeting, councillors considered how to respond to the province’s plan, Cassar said, “It’s heavy-handed. it’s very short-sighted and myopic and it doesn’t have the best interests of Hamilton citizens or citizens across the province.”

Councillors say Hamilton taxpayers are going to be on the hook for the costs of development in the billions even though they have nothing to say about it.