Doug Ford, Candidate for Ontario Premier, Would Open Toronto Greenbelt to Development

A prominent conservative with an infamous name is promoting single-family home development in the Toronto greenbelt as a way to release pressure on the Toronto housing market.

1 minute read

May 7, 2018, 12:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Ontario, Canada

The Oak Ridges Moraine, shown here, marks one end of the Toronto Greenbelt. | NormanEinstein / Wikimedia Commons

Progressive Conservative party leader Doug Ford, the brother of the infamous former mayor of Toronto Rob Ford, is running for premier of Ontario, establishing himself as the antithesis of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and reminding observers of President Trump.

Ford was recorded speaking about his position on the Toronto Greenbelt at an event at the end of April, saying the following:

We will open up the Greenbelt, not all of it, we’re going to open a big chunk of it up and we’re going to start building and making it more affordable and putting more houses out there.

When asked later to clarify his comments, Ford said any land developed in the current Greenbelt would be replaced.

"The Greenbelt covers 325 km from the Oak Ridges Moraine to the Niagara River, and was protected in legislation by the Ontario Liberal government in 2005 as a natural buffer against urban sprawl," according to an article by Antonella Artuso.

Wendell Cox penned an opinion piece for the Financial Post expressing support for Ford's idea to develop single-family homes in the Greenbelt.

Monday, April 30, 2018 in Toronto Sun

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Two yellow and white Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail streetcars at station in Dallas, Texas.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region

At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

April 3, 2025 - KERA News

Canada geese sitting on shore of Lake Merritt in Oakland, California.

How Community Science Connects People, Parks, and Biodiversity

Community science engages people of all backgrounds in documenting local biodiversity, strengthening connections to nature, and contributing to global efforts like the City Nature Challenge to build a more inclusive and resilient future.

April 13 - National Recreation and Park Association Open Space Blog

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13 - Inside Climate News

Close-up on cardboard sign reading 'No Kings' being held up at protest at Tesla offices in Brooklyn, New York.

Dear Tesla Driver: “It’s not You, It’s Him.”

Amidst a booming bumper sticker industry, one writer offers solace to those asking, “Does this car make me look fascist?”

April 13 - The Globe and Mail