Dear Premier Ford, I am…

Dear Premier Ford,

I am writing as a concerned resident of Toronto to express my strong opposition to Bill 5, The Better Local Government Act. Reducing Toronto City Council from 47 to 25 seats during an active municipal election was a reckless move that undermines the democratic process and weakens local representation.

Beyond the democratic concerns, this restructuring jeopardizes our ability to protect endangered wildlife and local ecosystems. With fewer councillors, environmental issues, particularly those affecting urban biodiversity, green spaces, and habitat preservation, are more likely to be deprioritized. In communities like Parkdale, where natural areas are already under pressure, (e.g. Ontario Place) this bill could have long-term consequences for both human and environmental well-being.

As a child, I was taught to take care of the earth. I remember learning about the hole in the ozone layer and doing my part to help close it. I attended town halls with my family to speak up for the Greenbelt land we were told would be protected for generations. Now I’m watching Ontario Place be torn apart, the Greenbelt degraded, and other natural spaces paved over. Coyotes and other wildlife are being displaced, creating safety concerns in my own neighbourhood, I can’t even read a book at the Lakeshore anymore without worrying about what might come out of the bushes. Rooftop gardens won't fix this. A coyote can't climb a condo.

This has to stop.

I urge you to repeal Bill 5 and restore fair, democratic, and locally responsive governance to Toronto.

Sincerely,

A Concerned Resident of Toronto