Our Values With Respect to the Land

I would like to elaborate a little on the first point in "My Pledge as a Real Estate Sales Representative". The "individual right of real estate ownership" is something that Scarborough's residents have rather taken for granted for almost a century. Our "right" to own land under the principals that we now enjoy was won by those pioneers who escaped poverty and, oftentimes, mistreatment in Europe. The fight for individual land-ownership "rights" is but one battle -- a very long battle -- in the much longer war for democracy.

The evolution of the Canadian identity is, to a large degree, the evolution of our relationship with the land. The Canadian identity cannot be understood unless we comprehend our values with respect to the land -- from home ownership to preservation of the family farm. The story of the evolution of our values with respect to land must be told if we are to comprehend the vital importance of any future commitment to the land. If we understand the changing relationship between Humanity and land in the past, we surely must be much better prepared to deal with the forces of change in the future.

Land Use Planning in Ontario

The Municipal Policy Planning Branch of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs is interested in your opinions on proposed reforms to Ontario's land use planning system. Policy statements have been drafted regarding: natural heritage and ecosystem protection, restoration and hazards; community development and infrastructure; housing; agricultural land; conservation of energy and water; and mineral resources.

From The Scarboro Heights Record V2 #1