Bill 23 is an active threat…

Bill 23 is an active threat to our environment, affordable housing, and sustainable growth.

The proposed changes will drastically impact our wetlands, releasing carbon stores and negatively impacting biodiversity. Disrupting these natural areas will impact greenhouse gases, increase the risk of floods, and contribute to the negative effects of climate change.

Sprawl requires massive infrastructure development rather than investing in existing and new infrastructure in already-populated areas. There is much unused land that can be repurposed within existing boundaries, with a focus on infrastructure upgrades and affordable housing. The homes you seek to build are not planned as affordable, nor are they near the essential infrastructure that already exists and deserves investment.

Ultimately, Bill 23 is not focused on sustainable growth. The term “faster” indicates the priority here: to build as much as possible at the expense of our environment, our wildlife, our infrastructure, and the people who live in Ontario. Climate change should be a priority. Affordable housing should be a priority. Health care should be a priority. Education should be a priority. Sprawling into Greenbelt lands and building as quickly as possible should absolutely NOT be a priority, and if this proceeds it is clear our government is not listening to its residents.