I strongly oppose the…

I strongly oppose the proposed amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act outlined in Schedule 7 of the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025. These changes represent a serious threat to the preservation of Ontario’s cultural and architectural heritage and risk undermining decades of careful stewardship by local communities and heritage professionals.

The proposed amendments would significantly reduce municipalities' power to identify and protect heritage properties. By imposing rigid timelines for designation and allowing the automatic expiry of listed properties, the amendments weaken communities' ability to respond thoughtfully and thoroughly to development pressures. This approach prioritizes short-term economic gains over the long-term value of our shared history.

Moreover, heritage conservation is not a barrier to economic growth—it is a vital part of it. Well-preserved heritage districts contribute to tourism, foster civic pride, and support vibrant, sustainable communities. Gutting heritage protections in the name of "unleashing the economy" sends a clear message that the government is willing to sacrifice Ontario’s unique identity for speculative development.

I urge the government to withdraw Schedule 7 and engage meaningfully with municipalities, Indigenous communities, historians, and the public to strengthen, not weaken, heritage protections. Ontario deserves an economic vision that respects the past while building for the future.