Ontario Greens leader in Ajax to pledge protection of Carruthers Creek headwaters

Ontario Greens Leader Mike Schreiner pledged today to stamp out expensive urban sprawl and protect the Carruthers Creek headwaters as part of a new Bluebelt that will double the size of the existing 1.8 million-acre Greenbelt and protect critically important river systems, watersheds and moraines.

“It’s time to stop the sprawl,” Schreiner said at an announcement in front of Carruthers Creek Monday afternoon. “Doug Ford’s short-sighted, expensive sprawl agenda has gone on far too long.”

“Ontario Greens are committed to stamping out expensive sprawl, protecting the places we love, and building affordable, livable, and connected communities.”

Doug Ford’s recent Greenbelt proposal completely ignored the headwaters of the Carruthers Creek, Schreiner added, which protects residents from expensive flooding. The Carruthers Creek Watershed Plan found development in this sensitive area could result in up to 113 per cent more flooding in Ajax.

“A flooded basement costs people upwards of $40,000 to repair, while expanding the Greenbelt to include the Bluebelt and protect the Carruthers Creek headwaters would save people money,” Schreiner said. “We need smart and sustainable growth in Durham – and protecting the Carruthers Creek headwaters will not only create healthy communities but protect current & future residents from flooding.”

Schreiner was joined by Leigh Paulseth of local community group Environmental Action Now and Julia Rondinone, an Ontario Greens candidate for Ajax-Pickering.

“We are thrilled to see the Ontario Green Party answer the call for smart and sustainable growth in Durham,” Paulseth said. “Maintaining the current urban boundary and protecting the headwaters of Carruthers Creek is vital to create healthy communities for future generations in Ajax and across Durham.”

Rondinone agreed. “I hear it from my community every day: we need to protect local places like Carruthers Creek from reckless sprawl,” Rondinone said, noting that the community “rallied together” to save Duffins Creek and now the environmental community – along with the Ontario Greens – are “leading the way to permanently protect Carruthers Creek.”