The proposed changes to this…

The proposed changes to this bill are deeply concerning. In general, it will encourage urban sprawl and the destruction of farmland rather than increase densification. What part of the Ontario government's own Ontario Housing Affordability Taskforce does the Ford
government not understand?? It clearly states "Land is available, both inside the existing built-up areas and on undeveloped land outside greenbelts. … Most of the solution must come from densification."

Sadly, though, the Ford government is clearly bent on continuing to harm Ontario's natural (and built- - see Bill 23 re historical designations) environment.

As Ontario Nature says on its website: "The proposed new Provincial Planning Statement will jeopardize decades of progress on land use policy, with changes that would:

Eliminate mandatory intensification and greenfield density targets that were designed to rein in urban sprawl;
Allow municipalities to expand settlement areas at any time without a comprehensive review of associated infrastructure needs or potential impacts on farmland and natural areas;
Force municipalities to allow three lots to be severed from every farm, even in prime agricultural areas;
Exempt lands that are the subject of Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZOs) from complying with provincial policies and official plans;
Remove the requirement for municipalities to undertake watershed planning; and
Weaken and eliminate policies that address climate change.

"These are only some of the harmful proposed changes that would fundamentally undermine smart growth and sustainable land use planning in Ontario. Others involve weakening rules and standards for affordable housing, water pipelines, employment areas, and development along public transit lines. In sum, the government is abandoning its long-standing policy commitment to promote compact, transit-friendly development and prevent sprawl. "