Ontario PC Leader Doug Ford backs off Greenbelt development idea

Doug Ford is reversing a plan to open a large protected green space around the Toronto region to housing development if elected premier this spring.

The Progressive Conservative leader says he has heard from people asking him not to touch the Greenbelt since outlining his development pledge yesterday.

He now says a Tory government would maintain the Greenbelt in its entirety.

READ MORE: Ontario PC leader Doug Ford says he would open up Greenbelt for development in some areas

Earlier today, Liberal Premier Kathleen Wynne called Ford’s Greenbelt-development plan a “wrongheaded” move that would make the map of the protected area look like “Swiss cheese.”

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Ford says the Tory platform will promise to increase the supply of affordable housing across the Greater Toronto Area while protecting the Greenbelt in its entirety.

VIDEO: Doug Ford tells PC campaign event about discussions to develop province’s greenbelt

0:39 Doug Ford tells PC campaign event about discussions to develop province’s greenbelt

The Greenbelt, a 7,200-square-kilometre area that borders the Greater Golden Horseshoe region around Lake Ontario, was protected from urban development by legislation in 2005.

VIDEO: Liberals claim Doug Ford made ‘secret’ deal with developers to pave over greenbelt

2:00 Liberals claim Doug Ford made ‘secret’ deal with developers to pave over greenbelt