Please reject the New…

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013-4239

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21062

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Please reject the New Regulation under the Planning Act for the Open for Business Planning Tool
I'm a farmer. I'm a parent. I have a Science degree. I was involved in our family business that included manufacturing parts for the automotive industry. I think I can see this issue from different perspectives. I read Rod Phillips Minis
-"Preserving and Protective our Environment for Future Generations-Made In Ontario Environmental Plan"
-"waterways are under increasing pressure as urban development expands"
-"pollution in our air and water increases healthcare costs"
-The climate is changing....Forests, waters and wildlife across the province are and will continue to be impacted by these changes"
-"The natural spaces across Ontario such as forests, wetlands, and parks purify our air and water, protect biodiversity and natural heritage"
-"We know that climate change poses a serious threat to Ontario's natural areas and that conservation of these areas play an important role in mitigating and adapting to climate change. We will protect and enhance our natural areas, support conservation efforts, continue to conserve species at risk, develop adaptions strategies and promote the importance of healthy natural spaces for future generations.
This new regulation for the planning Act contradicts this.
We are facing a global emergency with climate change and biodiversity loss. But this government want to pave over farmland and natural areas for corporations and profit. We are in trouble because of growth and profit trumping the environment time and time again.
Agricultural land is a finite resource. Once it is paved over, it is gone forever. According to Ontario Farmland Trust, we lose 175 acres per day in Ontairo and we have lost 20% of our farmland between 1976 and 2016. With climate change we need more farmland not less. Extreme weather reduces production and not only do we need to feed a growing population we need land to grow biofuels as we move away from fossil fuels. Food security and local food is also vital with climate change. The Agri-Food sector contributes over 39 billion to Ontario GDP and employs more thatn 820,000 Ontarions (1)
Putting development into agricultural areas is poor planning. It is deplorable that the local people particularly farmers will not be allowed to give input. Development in agricultural areas limit farm expansion (MDS requirements and negatively affecting farmers' decisions to invest). OMAFRA has documents on problems between farmers and conflicting land uses ie odour, noise, traffic, development pressure etc. We have experienced some of these issues. As well many farms provide wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration and water infiltration. Paving farms over and fragmenting farming areas must not continue.
There are many wonderful environmental and planning policies in place, yet this Bill wants to override these. Smart growth is just that. Keeping development close to town reduces greenhouse gases and keeps farms providing food and fibre and many environmental benefits. I suggest if you want Trust and Transparency corporations should follow the environmental and planning policies in place and do so with the public involved and not behind closed doors.
Scientists have been warning us for decades about climate change and biodiversity loss. Governments have not done enough. I might die of old age before things get too extreme with climate change. My kids won't . What legacy do you want to leave to your daughters and grandchildren Premier Ford>
Please reject this. Thank you.
Reference
(1) Ontario Federation of Agricuture 2018. A guide to Municipal Councillors and Staff