Opposition to Bill 212 –…

Opposition to Bill 212 – Building Highways Faster Act, 2024 (ERO: 019-9265)

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed Building Highways Faster Act, 2024. While I understand the importance of improving infrastructure, this Act raises significant concerns about environmental protection, community engagement, and public accountability.

Environmental Concerns:

This Act disregards critical environmental safeguards. Wetlands in the Greater Toronto Area are already essential for minimizing flooding and mitigating climate risks. Paving over these natural defenses without thorough environmental reviews will cause irreparable harm to ecosystems, endangering both human health and local wildlife. Accelerating highway construction without proper study risks amplifying flood risks and destroying habitats critical to Ontario's biodiversity.

Additionally, investing in expansive highway construction contradicts Ontario’s commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Public funds should be directed toward sustainable transit systems and renewable energy infrastructure that align with climate action goals rather than perpetuating reliance on car-centric development.

Municipal Overreach and Inequity:

Ontario municipalities are already struggling financially, leading to eroded trust in government decision-making. This proposed legislation further undermines local governance by granting the provincial government sweeping powers to bypass municipal bylaws. This overreach ignores the unique needs of communities across the province and centralizes authority with an out-of-touch government at Queen’s Park.

This inequity is particularly concerning for cities outside the Greater Toronto Area, including Ottawa, Sudbury, North Bay, Thunder Bay, and Sault Ste. Marie. Time and time again, provincial investments disproportionately benefit Toronto while municipalities in other regions are neglected. This Act not only strips local governments of their authority but also fails to provide meaningful resources to address infrastructure needs across Ontario.

Property Rights and Fairness:

The removal of legal protections for property owners is deeply troubling. Eliminating the right to appeal expropriation timelines under the Expropriations Act undermines fairness and leaves individuals vulnerable to undue hardship. Landowners deserve the ability to protect their interests and negotiate timelines without the looming threat of accelerated government action.

Conclusion:

In its current form, the Building Highways Faster Act, 2024 sacrifices environmental protection, public accountability, and local decision-making in favor of hastened timelines. I urge the Ministry of Transportation to reconsider this legislation and instead pursue infrastructure solutions that respect Ontario’s natural ecosystems, empower municipalities, and prioritize sustainable development for all regions of the province.