This afternoon city council asked the provincial government for "more time to deal with the potential implications of the greenbelt boundary" and a deferral of any decisions on fruitbelt designations in the city. At the same time, the council reiterated its demand that all fruitbelt land below the escarpment be designated for urban development.

Previously circulated staff recommendations on the greenbelt plan were replaced by a pre-printed resolution that was introduced at this afternoon's planning meeting. Proposals to include the Pleasantview area of Dundas in the greenbelt were dropped, along with other land 'trades' that staff had suggested that would have seen some areas removed from the greenbelt and others added. However, the council is asking the province to allow changes to the boundaries over the next three months.

Councillor Brian McHattie tried to have the Pleasantview area protected, but his motion in committee lost in a 4-3 vote. It was supported by Sam Merulla and Bob Bratina, but opposed by Dave Mitchell, Maria Pearson, Terry Whitehead and Bill Kelly. Dundas councillor Art Samson expressed support for McHattie's motion, but couldn't vote because he's not a member of the committee.

A special meeting of city council held immediately after the planning meeting ratified the decisions. See the December 5 CATCH article at http://www.hamiltoncatch.org/articles/
art_0412/art_041205greenbelt.htm for further information on the greenbelt and how individuals can provide their comments to the provincial government.