I strongly oppose proposed…

I strongly oppose proposed changes to the Planning Act that would allow Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZOs) to override protections for Ontario’s farmland and significant natural areas. Schedule 3 of Bill 257 would amend the Planning Act so that MZOs no longer have to be consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, the very foundation of Ontario’s comprehensive, integrated land use planning framework.

Over the past year there has been a sharp, unprecedented increase in the use of MZOs to fast-track development without public consultation or the right to appeal. Schedule 3 adds insult to injury by also limiting our ability to challenge MZOs through the courts.

Farmland and natural features and areas offer vital benefits to our communities by helping to control flooding, filter water, store carbon and provide wildlife habitat. We ignore these benefits at our peril and against the interests of our children and grandchildren.

I urge you to remove Schedule 3 from Bill 257.