Survey Responses from Whitebelt Visioning Exercise Public Open House November 19, 2015

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1 Survey Responses from Whitebelt Visioning Exercise Public Open House November 19, 2015 Number of Attendees: 223 Number of Questionnaires returned as of January 29, 2016: 16. Web Site Surveys received to June 19, 2016: 26. Responses to Questions: 1. What do you prefer to see happening in the Whitebelt Area in the next 25 years? Retain it for agriculture for food security. Government agriculture run by the University of Guelph. Would like to see Peel Region more involved in planning Caledon and proof that the public s priorities involvement were taken seriously Preserve 90% of the farmland. Locate employment lands to the south of the 400 series highway; intensify existing towns, villages, hamlets Develop the Whitebelt in accordance with the most advanced and successful planning practices such a Portland Oregon and California. Think lo-rise apartments. Detached dwellings should be reserved for farms or tiny hamlets. Encourage mixed use. Create a new designation; urban agriculture. When allowing urban expansion onto agricultural land, require that 50% of the site remain agricultural and concentrate the entire density on the remaining 50%. Leave as is; there has to be an end somewhere!! High density development between Mayfield Road and the GTA West Transportation Corridor. Commercial and service businesses should be planned like the traditional CBD in Bolton, Mayfield West as well as a new growth node at Tullamore. Support energy efficient community commercial nodes which support public transit; avoid the proliferation of strip malls. The Whitebelt should all be designated for future development. An increase in the land supply is needed to keep house prices down. Harmonious mix of residential, industrial and commercial Should have had planning in place 20 years ago. There is no growth at all. Traffic is chaos coming from the north and Mayfield West, which should never be developed. These people have no place to go to work, shopping and so on. It needs to be developed for the population is growing. Caledon hasn t been growing around the Highway 50 area (west). Construction of GTA West corridor, progressive expansions of urban area based on need/demand, protection of strategic employment lands, development on both sides of GTA West corridor to get full benefit of such a significant infrastructure investment. White Belt should be used for karate on smart growth planning After the transportation corridor is official it makes the greatest sense to have development accessible to it. Development should be sustainable should also be population density to support rapid transit. Development 1

2 We need to get more class A farmland into the Greenbelt, not develop it. Use Whitebelt areas closer to Brampton or the GTA West corridor and preserve farmland. My vision for the Whitebelt is to be developed with residential and employment lands. Web Site Survey Responses I am somewhat troubled that all of this white belt visioning exercise is under the umbrella of planning!!!! If this was REAL planning then the there would still be agriculture in this area. Perhaps I am wrong but is this not part of the Peel plain, the 3rd most fertile land in Canada???? PLEASE take a look at the development that has come north from Lake Ontario and if you are old enough remember the incredible fruit belt that fringed the lake and ran north to Bovaird and has now been eliminated by development. Now I diverge and ask you to think about buying fruit from Mexico and California right now...any connection???????? Think maybe we should not have developed those areas, maybe looked into the future and thought about being dependent on other nations for our food????? Maybe I am missing something but it sure seems simple and logical to me...except perhaps that huge pressure from the developers to develop for the sake of the almighty dollar. Answer Government agriculture run by the university of Guelph My vision for the Whitebelt is to be developed with residential and employment lands. Keep growth at minimum, preserve strips of prime farmland, create community veg gardens, programs to encourage hobby farming, plant more trees. Stop these pop up trailer and outside storage junk properties. A mix of commercial and residential Residential housing that is affordable to the post-secondary age-group, just starting out in their life, to avoid Caledon becoming a middle-aged/senior community. Commercial growth that provides a range of career opportunities including office space and industrial units of a variety of sizes. However, this must be preceded by sufficient public transit (local buses), new service roads, paving of more side roads to take the strain from (what will become) major routes, safe bicycle routes and off-street parking. A GO train station to access Toronto and Brampton to relieve some commuter traffic. I would love to see a university and/or college in Whitebelt Caledon too - attract the younger generation and keep their skills in Caledon. planning...communities need to be self sustained. The focus should be on building healthy, walkable communities with green space, trails, meeting spaces and community centres mixed with shops and restaurants. Reasonable development and infrastructure planning. The appropriate areas identified for expansion, the remaining restrained from development. There needs to be a greater mid of commercial versus residential. Residential development should be low and medium density and should not be too close to the Brampton and Vaughan borders to prevent a continuation of the urban sprawl with commercial 2

3 development that requires residents to drive to get everywhere. All residential development should be walking and biking friendly. Bike lanes should be included on all new roads and repaved roads. All neighbourhoods should also include green space for both conservation and recreation in keeping with the uniqueness of Caledon. land development occuring in a phased and responsible manner including both residential and employment lands Since whitebelt area is adjacent to greenbelt, it is vital that the whitebelt development is harmonious to the green environment, it should maintain a low impact, clean and respectful transformation. I see a need to plan for future Provincial Government mandated population growth. Higher density residential and/or employment lands with green space around it The Whitebelt will grow out from Bolton, Mayfield West and up (Northerly from Brampton) I prefer to see as little development as possible. Caledon is still somewhat a rural community, and I think the people that live here want it to remain this way. It's what makes Caledon unique. Why does government, business want to change Caledon. Build it, or allow building to even start and it will eventually turn into Mississauga or Brampton. What will set us apart? If you look at some small towns in Europe, that have a rural setting with farms and agriculture, they have been the same for centuries. That's what makes them beautiful and unique. You want big city amenities and things that go with a city, go to the city. You want to get away from the big city, live in Caledon. That it be left alone. I prefer to see it remain as active agricultural land. If the reading material about this land is correct it is the third most fertile land in Canada. It would to be incredibly stupid not to farm this land whether it be operated by the government or privately. THINK! Our grandchildren will need that land to feed themselves and generations to come. would like to see intelligent planning of housing, recreational, parks. not a build of just houses and strip malls, and traffic lights. we need to maintain our green spaces also. Minimize sprawl. Designate/provide more environmental policy areas close to the settlement areas i.e., within the white belt. don't add more people without improving public transit. Priority should be maintaining the lifestyle we moved here 30 years...rural residential planning to include preservation/creation of green spaces, natural habitat and features: tree planting, planning of pathways and parks to link communities and ensure physical and mental health of people who will move into these communities planning to include recreational sites such as baseball diamonds, swimming pools/recreation centres, skateboard parks, ski hills, running tracks, safe playground spaces -keep transport trucks/diesel fuel emissions away from people 3

4 Preservation not just of woodlands, etc. but a high priority on prime agricultural lands. I see this as very significant not just for Caledon residents but also for sustainable agriculture production for the GTA and beyond, with diversity of type. I would like to see creative housing development such as between two to four unit buildings in attractive surroundings, not just "Brampton style" suburban development. I would see small apt or condo units that are suitable for Aging in Place lifestyles, within walking distance of small town cores, for people who may wish to walk to shopping or for whom driving is no longer an option. I would also see some condo units of size, not just tiny units, for Caledon residents who may wish to downsize but not have to move from their neighbourhoods. Maintenance of our many trails and parklands a must. In conjunction with the above, and for existing neighbourhoods, I would like to see additional non-car options to access not just our various village/town cores, but also to Toronto, so that there can be non-car options. Residential, Commercial and some light industrial Certainly, planning is important, but let's not forget the previous plans and promises that were made. The block for Mayfield West needs to be finished, before extra planning beyond that block, for the near future. People make plans too and their plans can be completely changed by municipal changes. I think farmers will have to go north to begin their farming exercises again. The whitebelt will become part of the GTA development. - the retention of agricultural land balanced with growth (which is happening whether we like it or not) - we should maintain a balance between both - I would rather see a 'small village' like setting surrounded by farm land than a large urban centre (such as Bolton) - small villages are more of the norm for Caledon which is known for its landscapes - one should not have to be forced to drive for miles to 'get into the country' - small villages should have the opportunity for small businesses to thrive - to encourage people to shop local, or walk to a cafe for a latte, or bike to an ice cream store - we need to ensure parkland, trails and such are available to communities - to encourage people to get fresh air and exercise... - we also need to plan for senior's housing - not a building that is ten miles from the nearest coffee shop - but housing that is incorporated into a small village concept - housing that will allow seniors to remain in Caledon (most are currently leaving as this need has not been fullfilled) - housing that is close enough to walk to small village centres 4

5 2. Since the Whitebelt is eligible for future growth, do you agree that the Town should start to plan for the ultimate build-out of the entire Whitebelt area, regardless of how soon, to ensure that there will be sufficient capacity for water and wastewater and roads? Please explain. No, the Town should retain the land in agriculture; local food is important Since it is Peel Region s job to ensure water and wastewater capacity and regional roads, the Town should welcome Peel s involvement in planning Caledon Do not agree; study intensification, transportation, future college, university locations, low income housing, bus transportation, recreation complexes like the Island Lake area in Orangeville Absolutely! But maintain the option for future innovation as new ideas evolve No Yes it is timely to start to plan for build out. But by ultimate build out we should not assume that this means 100% of the Whitebelt must be compromised. Yes Yes Development to be only in Bolton and Caledon East that is already established. Not to build little pockets all over the place. Yes, planning for the Whitebelt should be started so when land or expansion is needed it should be there. Not this every 5 to 10 year and no more existing land available, then back to the planning and cost that goes with it. Yes, should be planning for eventual full build out of Whitebelt, again on both sides of GTA West corridor and the necessary infrastructure capacity to support such growth Yes What happened to the results from the last session of discussions re: NEC, Greenbelt policy and Oak Ridges Moraine? Many people at this session wanted the Whitebelt reduced and incorporated into the Greenbelt. Yes, I agree. Plan now not later. Plan for infrastructure and schools, parks and roads. The Town must start planning and building infrastructure now because the longer they postpone it the more it will cost in the future. Web Site Survey Responses See answer to first question CHANGE THE ELIGIBLE STATUS! Yes, I agree that the Whitebelt should be planned now for the future. Plan now not later. Plan for infrastructure and schools, parks and roads. The Town much start planning and building infrastructure now because the longer they postpone it the more it will cost in the future. Yes, early planning is key to avoid mistakes and terribly ugly places such as Mississauga. Yes. Future planning protects quality of needed services. Let's face it, the entire Whitebelt is going to be developed eventually, so planning the infrastructure now will save digging up sections of Caledon over and over in the future! But I'm 5

6 sure residents don't want the entire area dug up at once and feel like we are living in a building zone for the next 20 years (like Brampton/south end of Gore Road!) Also see my comments in (1). planning is very important and planning in collaboration with neighbouring cities and province. How will people get around? How can they access amenities? Urban sprawl is not the answer if we want to feed the province. Consider building up, rather than out and build communities linked with adequate transit. No. Plan to develop in stages with the ability to add what is required. Yes! The planning needs to include expansion corridors. Yes. The town should establish the infrastructure and prepare to accommodate for water/wastewater capacity, road construction, the land acquisition for a future Go-Train station, and whatever else is cost effective to undertake before the approvals and thus before the costs become prohibitive. Yes. No, I don't agree to ultimate build-out. The Whitebelt is in between Greenbelt and the heavily developed subdivisions of North Brampton, therefore the Whitebelt should continuous be a buffer for harmony of the greenbelt. The Whitebelt is already being bastardized by the existence of mega-developments, such as Peri Industries on Centreville Creek Road, which is a giant depot for transport trucks. The trucks are seen pulling in and out the country road, very often without regards for oncoming traffic. Let alone the air pollution created by this hub. How did that happen? Yes, I agree we need to provide direction for future Councils with respect to developer pressures, related official plan amendments, public awareness, planners decisions and growth both expected and unexpected. "He who hesitates is lost!" I think the Town should start by identifying land that will *not* be built out and find ways to protect it first. Then the plan for development can be made. YES Again, it's my opinion not to give in to growing the white belt. Once you start, there is no turning back. Developers want more, want to make things equal and available like everyone else has it in Mississauga and Brampton. I agree to plan but instead of industry or homes or trucking, how about fields of crops for food, educational study. Something that utilizes the soil and rich agricultural land that is right in our own backyard. Town needs to be on top of what is being proposed because what is south of the whitebelt is criminal. NO. THINK AGAIN! Caledon is the ONLY area in North America which represents countryside which is within one hour of a major city is Toronto....that means people from Toronto can 6

7 drive to Caledon within one hour and escape to countryside, open spaces, fresh air. Sounds ridiculous? Take some time and listen to the comments of people who come to Belfountain from the big smoke. I think the sooner that discussions happen for the entire area the better. Planning now is good as long as growth only proceeds if the carrying capacity e.g. water, wastewater, roads and transit is considered. Again need more environmental policy area lands in the whitebelt. If you don't do the latter you will have more Inglewood badlands situations. Yes, planning is always good but should consider minimal development. YES OF COURSE PLANNING SHOULD START HOWEVER There are issues that require the Town's financial resources ahead of this white belt infrastructure spending. SPECIFICALLY, GOODS MOVEMENT: THE TOWN NEEDS TO IMMEDIATELY ADDRESS THE FACT THAT CALEDON VILLAGES ARE BEING DEGRADED BY THE HUGE VOLUME OF TRANSPORT TRUCK TRAFFIC THAT HAS BEEN DIRECTED THROUGH THEM BY VOTE OF PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATIONS. WE KNOW FROM THE VOLKSWAGEN FALSIFICATION OF DIESEL EMISSION TESTING THAT DIESEL EMISSIONS ARE TWENTYFOLD WORSE FOR US THAN PREVIOUSLY SHOWN. TRUCKS SHOULD BE DIRECTED AWAY FROM THE CENTRE OF ALTON, CALEDON AND CALEDON EAST VILLAGE, AND MONO MILLS. ALTON VILLAGE HAS A PUBLIC SCHOOL ON MAIN STREET SOUTH-WHY ARE TRANSPORT TRUCKS ALLOWED TO PASS WITHIN FEET OF THE SCHOOL? BECAUSE PLANNING FOR GOODS MOVEMENT WAS NOT ADDRESSED WITH FUTURE GROWTH IN MIND YEARS AGO, THE COST OF FIXING THIS ISSUE WITH A BYPASS FOR ALL THE VILLAGES MUST BE ADDRESSED NOW. THE PROBLEM WILL ONLY CONTINUE TO GROW. Not sure how to respond to this question. I do not support rapid development in this area, however, as new development in, for example, Caledon East, does not reflect the beauty and character of this area. Yes, Envisioning is important, but plans must be somewhat flexible, as unforeseen things to happen. Is this plan to go after the plans that have been already put in place? For financing reasons, development should be planned where the services are already in place, or can be put there as inexpensively as possible. Of course, planning for the capacity for the services to be utilized further, is a good investment. - anything a municipality does takes many years - there is no harm in looking at the feasibility of identifying areas that may be developed for future growth - all three items mentioned above are important - with a priority of water! We seem to take this precious resource for granted. Given the amount of water lost to the aggregate industry - which contributes little to our economy and 7

8 costs a lot (i.e.: road maintenance, removing resources, etc.) we need to have strong policies to protect our wells 3. If the Town is to find new nodes and corridors for future land uses, other than Bolton, Caledon East and Mayfield West, where would be the most likely location in your view? Land uses should be totally agriculture and tourism so people from the city can enjoy the countryside for mental health. Wants to see more growth in Bolton. For the last 16 years the growth has been directed anywhere but Bolton Does not want nodes and corridors anywhere; preserve the farmland Near/at the intersections of major travel routes, avoiding quicksand and wetlands Leave as is. There is a climate change meeting in Paris at present. Governments are being told to reduce auto pollution yet we are planning to build yet another 400 series highway. Tullamore is well suited to become the 4 th growth node to be added to the original Caledon Trinodal concept. Expand Tullamore northward along Airport Rd. to Sandhill. This has the potential to be an extensive industrial zone Where sewer and water infrastructure is close to development Shouldn t be other than Bolton, Caledon East and Mayfield West, especially the Bolton area which is the key for growth We welcome provincial planning that makes sense! Bolton and Caledon East should be expanded because of the infrastructure in the local area. The Town should stop these small pockets all over. Too expensive. I m totally in agreement with the Peel Regional decision of Mississauga and Brampton. Caledon is spending unnecessary costs. For employment purposes: SW Bolton at GTA West corridor, Airport Road and GTA West corridor, Highway 410 and GTA West corridor interchange, Hurontario and GTA West in vicinity of Brampton/Caledon airport. For residential: West of Mayfield West urban area Along Mayfield Road keep development south good use of infrastructure Clarify are we not big enough already? Traffic is horrendous, communities are more like places to sleep and eat, not true communities. The Golden Horseshoe is ugly, does not offer a good quality of life, and adding more people will not solve anything. We should be protecting small communities whose majority moved there to be rural. Development should be west of Bolton and from Mayfield Road to the south, and King Rd. to the north. Airport Rd. location is a main corridor for development in this area Brampton is developing right to Mayfield Rd. and this is where the Town should develop. Web Site Survey Responses Land use should be totally agriculture and tourism ie people from the city being allowed to let their shoulders sag! Yea I know no money re taxes etc for the Ontario government however we 8

9 are the ONLY area in North America to be able to boast being one hour away from a major city like Toronto where people can enjoy the countryside...mental HEALTH! Development should be west of Bolton and from Mayfield Rd to the South, and King Rd to the North. Airport Rd location is a main corridor for development in this area. Brampton is developing right to Mayfield Rd and this is where the Town should develop. Wildfield. Hwy 9, West of Hwy 50, East of Airport Road Near the Highway 10 corridor - it has the best road and rail access opportunities, and being immediately north of Brampton and Mississauga, would make excellent business networks. Seems the natural extension, and maybe the 410 could be extended to facilitate commuting between these hubs. The east-west 400-series road may need to make a reappearance on the planning eventually too. I think a bus route Orangeville-Brampton-Mississauga (with parking along the route) would be well used too, elevating traffic, plus allowing Caledon residents easier access to jobs in these cities. Consider building up, rather than out first. If considering building out, ensure communities link with adequate ways of moving people. The "bigger" picture needs to be considered. unknown Mono Mills, north of the town of Caledon, and the area surrounding Alton. Other than these northern areas nothing between King and Charleston / HWY 9 should be expanded. Village of Caledon. Alloa Depends what you want to use the land for. Corridors such as Airport Rd. between Tullamore and Sandhill, with major commercial nodes at both locations:, and along the length of Mayfield Rd.between Hwy 50 and Hwy 10. South side to encourage public transit and limit impact on Escarpment and Oak Ridges Moraine The GTA West Corridor comes to mind, unfortunately that planning exercise is on hold We have given them enough. It makes me ill to witness the destruction of our resources. So NO I have no suggestion. Expand where the countryside has already been raped and pillaged...why ruin more? not sure More important for Town to determine how important upper Credit Watershed is to the Town first. The lower section is "urbanized" and if more growth is allowed in the middle section how does eroding the carrying capacity of the headwaters help with water resources. The river ultimately empties into Lake Ontario, a major source of drinking water. If all the upper 9

10 watersheds are compromised what does that do to the Lake. No other nodes or corridors should be identified until this analysis is done. Aggregate resources should also be included given the impact they have on natural heritage systems in the upper watershed and the fact that development to the south is aided and abetted by lower cost, close by aggregate resources. As far to the south as possible Agriculture protection should be a priority if in fact it is designated prime agriculture. (especially since food is becoming more and more expensive.) THIS IS DIFFUCULT TO ANSWER BECAUSE MOST OF THE RESIDENTS DO NOT WANT MORE GROWTH-WE ARE ASKING FOR BETTER USE OF OUR EXISTING TOWN-GOODS MOVEMENT ALREADY ADDRESSED ABOVE Unsure. The growth should follow the natural course of development. Where there is already infrastructure (Water, roads, etc.) Develop along Mayfield Rd as Brampton already has the infrastructure built out, do it on a Peel Region basis, not just Caledon. For example the area between 410 and Airport Rd. It has access to 410, and Mayfield Rd which is being widened. There is development to the south, so infrastructure is there. Also already has a Recreation complex, A High School, a public school, a Shopping centre (anchor Walmart). The existing settlements other than the above settlements. I think one needs to assess where traffic is coming from and where it is going - many cars travel through Caledon every day from outside our north, east and west boundaries. In finding solutions, we don't necessarily need to build more highways - they don't in Europe! Why not analyze the European solution - extend GO train options to Caledon - build stations in perhaps Bolton, Mayfield West - along Hurontario in Caledon Village or Orangeville. If trains run more than once a day - I'm sure many folks would use them. 4. What is your view about the future of agriculture and protecting agriculture in the Whitebelt area? All of the agricultural land should be protected. 85% of Caledon is protected by the Greenbelt, ORM and NEC and this is where agriculture is best suited to continue 90% of farmland protected north of the 400 series highway Essential! It should be an integrated land use and will be necessary if and when long distance transport of food becomes unfeasible. Promote eat local. Must be protected Significant strips of Whitebelt land adjacent to the protected linear water courses should be preserved as agricultural land and for public recreation, natural and park spaces. These would be the last areas to be relinquished, strategically Agriculture should go north. Population/employment growth should stay in these areas. 10

11 The lands south of Olde Base Line, Highway 10 to west McLaughlin Heritage Road, Chinguacousy Road, Creditview, Winston Churchill (east side) have large acreage parcels with beautiful farm land still intact. But when these farmers come to age the young generation doesn t have the spirit to farm. Agriculture is not a very viable business use on the Whitebelt lands. Do not consider it prime agricultural land due to poor soil qualities/characteristics and significant urban area influences/impacts already. Caledon has agricultural land that it will never get back. Let s demand that alternative agriculture is considered roof to greenhouses and aquaponics. Developers responsible for replacing the farming with an alternative elsewhere supporting agriculture in Caledon. Farm land needs to be affordable and accessible to new farmers allow smaller plots (5 acres) or less. Why not have tiny homes and affordable housing too. Rental units for aging in place. Agriculture zoned land could have 20 smaller homes built with condo fees to still allow farm (agriculture) to continue. Community gardens should be part of the recreational landscape. A college institution in Caledon could support our food system culinary and sustainable agriculture on campus. Why can t some of Ontario s Places to Grow population go beyond the GTA? Northern Ontario. I totally agree farmland must be protected. We need to add Whitebelt farmland to the Greenbelt Agriculture shouldn t be protected because there is plenty of farmland outside the Whitebelt. The Greenbelt was created to prevent sprawl and to protect farmland, so all farming should be in the Greenbelt. Web Site Survey Responses see above Agriculture shouldn't be protected because there is plenty of farmland outside of the Whitebelt. The Greenbelt was created to prevent sprawl and to protect farmland,so all farming should be in the Greenbelt. Agriculture should be important to all Canadians. I think Caledon is farm country first. It's prime ag land. Save a few kilometers across the belt for farming, it can be a buffer along with planting new forest areas. We have the most beautiful landscape, and it's a big part of what defines us. This is best answered by farmers and agricultural land owners. Their answer depends on whether their successive generations have expressed an interest in farming and agriculture. Agriculture is once again becoming more important as many people look to buy local and organic whenever possible. Caledon's farmers markets attract many tourists too from the surrounding cities (ex. Rock Gardens, Bolton Market) and tourism is also growing in our town through B&B's and a new hotel. Let's build on that and be proud to protect as much agricultural land as is practical, BUT urban growth must be balanced alongside it. I think Caledon can afford to build 75% of the Whitebelt and still have sufficient agricultural and green space/parks to 11

12 remain 'green'. Some of us landowners have large enough properties to ensure our beautiful countryside remains picturesque - hell, the Town won't let is sever it to build on! LOL. Agriculture is already threatened. Motorists have no patience for slow moving vehicles, family farms are being sold and the security of property is threatened. Whether we like it or not, commercial and residential growth is required and agriculture in the white belt will diminish. Protect King St. north in Caledon There are two features unique to Caledon. Green spaces and wildlife (which are currently protected under the Greenbelt and Oak Ridges Moraine areas) and agricultural landscape. Assuming there is still an interest from the farming community, the town should ensure that functioning farms are allowed to grow and thrive in this community. Greenbelt will protect Agricultural lands. It is never ok to see the disappearance of agricultural land. It is an irreversible act. They are to be protected by creating a limit on invasive developments that threaten water, crops and livestock. Why not sustain Caledon local farms and produce instead of destroying them with transport depots/hubs for trucks in order to ship the very same produce from US. What an irony. Higher density development should be encouraged in all population centres, especially in new nodes and corridors.and especially along Mayfield Road. Agricultural land should be protected from the Gore Rd. east toward Halton and from King Street West south to Healey Rd. Extremely important. Not just agriculture but we also need to preserve unpaved land to help keep the watersheds healthier. The Whitebelt will continue to be farmed - most likely crops, up until construction begins. Protect it, protect it, protect it. Once it's given up. It's gone...forever! All effort should be made to protect and encourage a sustainable agricultural base. It should all be protected! What a novel concept???? Protecting PRIME agricultural land for future generations. You will not hear it now, especially from developers but imagine 3 generations from now...there will be thanks galore. there is absolutely no reason why we can t accommodate agriculture, quite honestly I see a lot of farmers selling out, they can get a lot of money for land. and agriculture is not a family stand selling vegetables, we need to have true local growth for human consumption. not just corn. To protect whats left, all three levels of government will have to figure out how to incent land owners to keep farming i.e. compensate for foregone dollars that would come from developers. 12

13 Agriculture protection should be a priority if in fact it is designated prime agriculture. (especially since food is becoming more and more expensive.) WHITEBELT PLANNING SHOULD PRESERVE FARMLAND/AGRICULTURE, IT IS ESSENTIAL TO THE IDEA THAT CALEDON IS "GREEN", ESSENTIAL FOR GOOD HEALTH OF PEOPLE Absolutely important. Canada has prime lands only for agriculture only in the south and must be maintained at all costs. I feel we should support our farmers and also diversity of type, in all possible ways. If the Town wants to expand the tax base have to develop Residential, Commercial and Industrial, agri industries can be part of the mix, but there is lots of agriculture in the Greenbelt. First you need to involve the farmers in this exercise. Remember that the farmers put a lot more than 40 hours a week into their job of looking after the land. If a nursery-man or someone else were to do this work, food would have to be a lot more expensive. Because of the greenbelt, I know of many young farmers that have given up their dream of being a farmer. Farmers work without pensions, and work long hours. Without a hope of someday having their sons take over--and be financially okay, they will just quit. - the retention of agricultural land is important to our future as a region to enable us to feed ourselves - it is a commodity that when lost cannot be replaced and like water, we need to be protective of it. 5. How much of the agricultural land in the Whitebelt area should be protected from development? 100% 0%. Farming should be encouraged, but not mandated by any government 90% Do not know; ask the farmers (not the developers). 100% Do not know 25% for the next 10 years 10% Havn t got the answer. Isn t there the Greenbelt also available and Oak Ridges Moraine for farm use? No need to protect agricultural land outside the Greenbelt. 10% 0% As much as possible, 100% if at all possible. Also concerned about movement of wildlife is a concrete jungle of roads and ugly housing developments the best vision we have? 13

14 Web Site Survey Responses Please add any additional comments you may have. Join forces with the University of Guelph perhaps an on land campus, innovative ideas for agricultural development, student campus, experimental farms, etc. 14

15 Let s hope that Peel Region can end this war on Bolton and allow growth to be more than a patch here and there Agricultural eco-agri tourism is our strong suit. There is a good life in providing food for Canadian cities Stop the random parking sites for tractor trailers on farmlands. They should be in industrial areas. Concern that, by getting public input so early, people may feel their ideas are being ignored Once areas like Palgrave Estates evolve into duplexes/triplexes I imagine the surrounding acreage becoming market gardens and supporting small livestock eg. goats Outside of the Bolton and Mayfield West growth nodes, growth should be planned as phased build out, to advance northward methodically from Mayfield Road to the GTA West Transportation Corridor. If more growth is mandated by the province, then it should jump over the GTA West Transportation Corridor, but develop parallel to this corridor. Please reduce the process; it is too long and expensive. You need to look at development close to highway accessibility and where infrastructure is established already in existing towns such as Bolton and Caledon East. Also where industrial is established. Not making so many pockets, which creates traffic especially heading for their jobs. Development must occur on both sides of the GTA West corridor to obtain full benefit from such a significant infrastructure investment. Protect strategic employment areas. Keep development as far south as possible to use current infrastructure Brampton refused funding for rapid transit! Why should Caledon bear the gigantic destruction of precious farmland? Why can t the 407 be better used with rapid transit, or Highway 9? Developers must have better plans for transportation whenever a new subdivision comes into play. Airport Rd. is being expanded and it makes sense that development should be concentrated in this area. Airport Rd. is a direct link to the Toronto Airport, and ideal corridor for residential and commercial development. Web Site Survey Responses Join forces with the university of Guelph...perhaps an on land campus, innovative ideas for agricultural development, student campus, experimental farms etc. Airport Rd is being expanded and it makes sense that development should be concentrated in this area. Airport Rd is a direct link to the Toronto Airport, and ideal corridor for residential and commercial development. I love Caledon. We are unique... we can be the greenest and sexiest town in Ontario. But we must remain strong and plan well. We have the opportunity to avoid the ugly mistakes of other towns and cities. Questionnaires such as this are a great idea, thank you for giving us a voice! There will always be nay-sayers, and negative attitudes from certain people, but I welcome and admire this open invite of dialogue during the Town's planning phase for the Whitebelt. Many of 15

16 the people who complain will likely be the ones who didn't bother to complete this survey! Thank you Town of Caledon for this online and easy-to-complete initiative. I feel included. :) thanks for asking for input! The percentage of farmland is less relevant than whether the farming community wants to continue to farm the land and feel that they can make an adequate living from farming. Do they have sufficient networks, connectivity to markets, can they farm sufficient acreage to adequately compete with large scale farms, etc. What kind of support (municipal, provincial) is available for hobby, specialty or small scale farming? Caledon should plan smart and try to avoid the mistakes made in the surrounding cities that have have led to the unsightly and traffic congested urban sprawl. All new neighbourhoods should be community friendly, walkable and bikeable, and designed in such a way to encourage human connection for citizens of all ages. Finally, given that Caledon appears to have a higher demographic of citizens over 50, the town should consider residential planning that includes seniors accommodations that are conveniently connected to social/recreational facilities. One person s opinion means nothing, I believe we should stand up and be heard. If Caledon is rural and unique the way most people like it, don't give in to development. Thank you for the opportunity to have input. each municipality should be measured not only on what they pay in taxes etc. but what they do to sustain a healthy and balanced life style for the people of Ontario...life is balance...and without agriculture (food) and serene surroundings (countryside), the cost of maintaining healthy ontarians will sky rocket. A high functioning true to himself or herself politician must choose balance. 70 Most of the Peel Plain has already been developed--surely it is important to protect a substantial portion of the small remaining part. I am concerned that the Proposal in its entirety is predicated on permanently destroying the natural landscape. IN YOUR PLANNING FOR THE WHITEBELT PLEASE INCLUDE PARK/TRAILS TO CONNECT OUR (OLDER) VILLAGES WITH THE NEWER ONES-NORTH/SOUTH, EAST/WEST. SET ASIDE FUNDS TO ACQUIRE LAND ADJACENT TO WATERWAYS-ACCESS TO WATERWAYS AND PARKLAND ALONG STREAMS IS A BEST PRACTICE IN WELL PLANNED AND DESIRABLE CITIES CONNECT OUR COMMUNITIES! THANK YOU Once it is gone, we cannot get it back. This should have high priority. Thank you. What you must have is practicality. Farmers have to live too. They need the funds so their children have the opportunities of other children in the Town. 16

17 Farmers can't fund other peoples dreams of having farm land and country around their Homes - we need to protect heritage - the bricks and mortar of existing farmhouses and barns if possible - or we will become 'just like Brampton and Mississauga' (they both had farmsteads a few decades ago) - why do we not have protection for farmhouses when the land is purchased by developers? Why are we not incorporating these beautiful historic dwellings into subdivision planning? What a wonderful tribute to those who spent back breaking labour clearing the land, maintaining the original roads and whose history is forever part of our landscape! Why are we forever bulldozing down our history - homes and trees? I don't understand the inability of planning to not leave the existing large healthy trees where they are - rather we bulldoze everything, scrape off topsoil, build homes - and replant small trees. And we have lost the landscape, contributed to carbon in the atmosphere and increased global warming by removing vegetation. - Caledon has rich natural and cultural heritage as well as built heritage - all need to be protected 17