I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my concerns regarding the proposed infrastructure bill, which includes provisions for expanding highways and creating additional lanes in Ontario. While I understand the intention behind these measures is to alleviate congestion, I believe that such approaches are fundamentally flawed and will not provide the long-term solutions we need.

1. Ineffectiveness of Highway Expansion:
History has shown that simply adding more highways and lanes does not effectively reduce traffic congestion in the medium to long term. Instead, it often leads to induced demand, where the increased capacity encourages more vehicles on the road, ultimately resulting in the same or even worse congestion levels. To truly address the issues of vehicle congestion, Ontario must prioritize investment in public transportation systems that offer reliable, efficient, and accessible alternatives to driving.

2. Importance of Cycling Infrastructure:
The inclusion of cycle lanes in urban areas like Toronto is crucial for enhancing public safety and promoting healthier lifestyles. Expanding cycling infrastructure not only protects cyclists but also encourages more residents to choose biking as a viable mode of transportation. This shift can lead to reduced vehicle traffic, lower emissions, and improved public health outcomes related to fitness. Instead, the City should prohibit street parking on major streets to free above lanes. Further, there should be congestion charges to enter Toronto which would again reduce congestion and generate revenue for the city/Province to build better public infrastructure. The City of London (UK) is a great example of this. Building cities around cars is setting us back, limiting mobility in urban areas and increasing pollution.

3. Concerns Over Property Rights:
The amendments proposed under the Building Broadband Faster Act raise significant concerns regarding property rights. The ability to expropriate land for broadband projects without adequate safeguards undermines the rights of property owners and could lead to unjust outcomes. It is essential that any infrastructure development respects and protects the rights of individuals and communities.

4. Environmental Protections:
I am particularly troubled by the proposed exemptions from the Environmental Assessment Act included in the Highways Act. Protecting our natural environment and biodiversity must be a priority in any infrastructure development. We cannot afford to prioritize concrete over the preservation of our ecosystems. Comprehensive environmental assessments are vital to ensure that we understand the potential impacts of our actions on the environment and take necessary steps to mitigate them.

In conclusion, I urge you to reconsider the direction of this bill. Instead of focusing on expanding highways, we should invest in sustainable public transportation solutions and prioritize the safety and health of our communities. This is where every major city in the world is heading. Building cities around cars is setting us back, limiting mobility in urban areas and increasing pollution. Additionally, we must uphold property rights and environmental protections to ensure a balanced approach to infrastructure development in Ontario.

Thank you for considering my perspective on this important issue.