An apology from the Premier.

He is reversing plans to remove Greenbelt lands for future housing development.

He says by touching the Greenbelt, he broke a promise made a few years ago.

“I broke that promise, and for that, I am very, very sorry. I pride myself on keeping our promises. It was a mistake to open the Green Belt. It was a mistake to establish a process that moved too fast. This process, it left too much room for some people to benefit over others. It caused people to question our motives,” says Ford.

His remarks came following a Caucus meeting in Niagara Falls.

He says to build back trust, all lands removed will be put back.

Ford still believes the Greenbelt can help with its housing strategy to build 1.5 million homes over the next decade.

“The truth remains. Ontario is growing at an unprecedented speed, and doing more of the same, accepting the status quo will only make the housing affordability crisis worse. We need to build homes. We need to change the way we build these homes. Building more density in growing cities close to transit. Using modular homes to make housing attainable,” says Ford.

Ford says he will look at other avenues that don’t include the Greenbelt.

That includes maintaining the housing targets in place for the province’s larger municipalities.