I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my concerns about Highway 413 and the potential negative impacts of this project on both our road infrastructure and environment.

As a driver, I greatly value bike lanes on roads, as they make sharing the road safer and more predictable. In my neighborhood of East York, I notice a significant difference when driving on streets like Cosburn, which has dedicated bike lanes. The bike lanes provide a clear space for cyclists, so I always know where to expect them and can avoid getting stuck behind them in traffic. Removing bike lanes to prioritize vehicle-only infrastructure will lead to more confusion and frustration for drivers and cyclists alike, creating unnecessary disruptions for people on the road.

Additionally, I am deeply concerned about the removal of environmental consultation requirements for the construction of new highways. Ontario cannot afford to overlook the environmental implications of large-scale projects like Highway 413. Without proper environmental assessments, we risk permanent damage to sensitive areas and ecosystems that have long-term importance for both nature and residents. Environmental consultation is essential to protect the land, water, and biodiversity that make Ontario unique and livable.

This bill does not serve the best interests of Ontario’s people, and the process feels rushed without adequate public support or input. Ontario deserves thoughtful, responsible planning—not hasty decisions that will harm our communities and environment for generations to come. I urge a reconsideration of this bill and to prioritize a truly balanced approach that considers all road users and environmental impacts.