Yes, I am using a comment…

Yes, I am using a comment written by another party, but my objection to the proposed exemptions from the Environmental Bill Of Rights is no less fervent because I have borrowed someone else's more eloquent and informed words. I am completely appalled by the proposed Spa plan for Ontario Place and even more appalled by the lack of public consultation on the matter, not to mention the fact that Therme misrepresented itself, that Therme will only serve people with means, and that 80 trees were felled in one night to avoid public protest and to bully the project through by denuding the site. Everything about this project stinks to high heaven, and this exemption proposal is yet one more bully tactic to avoid accountability to the public and responsibility to the land we live on.

"I am writing to object in the strongest possible way to the proposed exemptions from the Environmental Bill of Rights that will remove the right of Ontarians to be advised of, or to comment on, any required permits at Ontario Place, on or off site, to support the project.

The Environmental Bill of Rights exists to ensure that Ontario's environment in all its forms is protected for future generations. As this applies to Ontario Place, thousands of Ontarians have spoken out about their concerns related to protection of this fragile waterfront ecosystem. They have provided well-informed, intelligent commentary along with realistic and reasonable alternatives to the government's current plans. This move not only deprives citizens of their rights but the government of valuable community knowledge.

The proposal is not in the public interest, compromises the future of this critical waterfront site and serves only to benefit the private interests of foreign companies. Instead it represents one more compromise in environmental protection, and citizen's rights to be informed, at a time when Ontario along with the rest of the planet is facing a climate and biodiversity crisis."