Chair Bradley was deciding vote after many felt idea redundant
Niagara Regional Chairman Jim Bradley was the tie breaking vote in support of a motion asking the provincial government to move forward on reversing its decision on the Greenbelt.
The motion was put forth by Councillor Hailey Bateman, in asking the government to act on the 15 recommendations in the Auditor General's report, and not 14 as indicated by Premier Doug Ford, as well as return land slated to be removed from the Greenbelt, in an effort to get more homes built.
The idea was introduced to council before the government brought forth legislation to reverse the land swap.
Those opposing the motion say it is redundant now since the province changed its mind.
However, Councillor Bateman questioned whether anyone could trust the government to get moving on its reversal. She was also shocked it wasn't a unanimous decision. "I spoke with the NPCA about this motion, I spoke with environmental groups about this motion, nothing in here is written by Hailey Bateman, it is all come out from reports. But the attitudes taken as this motion came up is very, very telling and I'm very disappointed."
Councillor Joyce Morocco, who supported the idea, pointed out sometimes the bear must be poked to get government to act.
Councillor Robert Foster, speaking against, appreciated Councillor Bateman's passion, but felt this was not up to the region. "The last time I looked at the municipal act, we were not the official opposition to any government in Toronto, and in fact, it's our role to be working with whatever stripe of government is in Toronto."
He added it's up to the opposition party at Queen's Park to press the government on this issue.
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