I am strongly opposed to the…

I am strongly opposed to the proposed Highway 413 Act and the construction of Highway 413. This project prioritizes convenience for drivers over serious environmental, social, and community impacts, setting Ontario back in its environmental and sustainability goals.

The proposal to exempt large portions of Highway 413 from the Environmental Assessment Act is unacceptable. This maneuver sidesteps critical environmental protections and public accountability, allowing irreversible harm to ecosystems, farmlands, and communities without proper oversight. Highway 413 will cut through ecologically sensitive areas, yet this proposal downplays these impacts by fast-tracking early works projects in “previously disturbed” areas, which are still vital habitats and farmlands.

Furthermore, while this highway may marginally reduce commute times in the short term, it will ultimately increase urban sprawl, car dependency, and pollution in the Greater Golden Horseshoe region. This proposal contradicts Ontario’s long-term environmental goals, effectively cementing car-centric infrastructure that will burden future generations with congestion and higher emissions.

I strongly urge a reassessment of the Highway 413 project, taking into account the environmental, social, and long-term economic costs. It’s essential to prioritize sustainable transit solutions that align with Ontario’s climate goals and protect the unique ecosystems of the Greater Golden Horseshoe.