Controversial Greenbelt land swap process marked by 'lack of oversight,' according to integrity watchdog
Ontario Integrity Commissioner J. David Wake has called for Housing Minister Steve Clark to be reprimanded for facilitating the controversial Greenbelt land swap, which saw the 2-million-acre protected area get carved up into parcels meant for development.
In the summary of his report, Wake said that Clark violated portions of the Members’ Integrity Act, with the land swap coming about due to a “rushed and flawed process” characterized by a “lack of oversight.”
Wake said that Clark neglected to “oversee the process by which lands in the Greenbelt were selected to development,” leading to “the private interests of certain developers being furthered improperly.”
“The evidence paints a picture of a process marked by misinterpretation, unnecessary hastiness and deception,” Wake said.
Ontario will be implementing updated rules and regulations focused on renters’ welfare, according to Steve Clark, the province’s housing minister.https://t.co/tpf331sUYP
— Canadian Mortgage Professional Magazine (@CMPmagazine) April 7, 2023
In response to the report, Clark said that “as minister, the buck stops with me and I accept the integrity commissioner’s findings.”
“There were clear flaws in the process that led to today’s report. I am fully committed to fulfilling our government’s promise to build at least 1.5 million homes and will ensure the process is done with integrity and trust,” he said.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford rebuffed calls to dismiss Clark, while also acknowledging that because of certain lapses, some land in Ajax would be returned to the Greenbelt.
Ford said that his government has begun the process of returning two properties to the Greenbelt after developers put up the land for sale as a “business park” rather than as housing land.
“Minister Clark will continue to work toward delivering on our promise to build at least 1.5 million homes and ensure public trust and confidence is maintained every step of the way,” the premier’s office said in a statement.
