I am writing here to express…

I am writing here to express my opposition to
• the removal of municipal oversight in planning matters,
• the removal of Conservation Authority powers to appeal land use planning decisions,
• the opening up of CA lands for development
• the removal of the ability of the public to be informed of draft plans of subdivisions in their neighbourhoods
• the removal of the democratic right of third parties to appeal decisions for land-use changes in their communities
• the removal of the 2-year timeout period for aggregate development
• the removal of some upper-tier municipal regional planning abilities
• the prohibition on municipalities ability to impose development charges, parkland dedication or cash-in-lieu requirements

Many municipalities already have plans in place to build more densely within their urban boundaries in an environmentally sound way taking climate change into account. Others are developing new Official Plans that are more forward-looking based on the current PPS. Working with CAs to make sure that development occurs in a safe and sustainable way is crucial to the health and safety of future residents. Regional planning ensures that development occurs in ways that preserves farmland and natural heritage features, both crucial to the future health of Ontarians.
Our planning system was on a path toward more sustainable development and climate friendly communities. Most of the measures in Bill 23 reverse this progress and put Ontario planning back to when natural disasters and the destruction of natural heritage was costing huge property damage and lives.
Combined climate and biodiversity crises are threatening the well-being and very lives of people now and into the future in Ontario. Now is not the time to be thinking of developers and their desire to sprawl in whatever direction they wish.
There are a few good ideas in Bill 23 around densification. Slow down, work with municipalities, and let's build more homes on less land and protect the farmland and natural heritage that sustains us.