The proposed changes to the…

The proposed changes to the Ontario Heritage act must be reconsidered. While increasing transparency in the designation process is important, most of the proposed changes weaken heritage protections, create obstacles for municipalities in pursuing designation, and accomplish nothing for housing affordability, choice or sustainability. At best, heritage designations are a minor irritant for the development industry. Ontario has a poor record of heritage preservation, and in many communities an already meagre heritage presence will be reduced. We need to do better. These proposals are the complete opposite of where we should be headed and focused.