Submission to ERO: 019-6813…

Submission to ERO: 019-6813
Review of proposed policies adapted from A Place to Grow and Provincial Policy Statement
to form a new provincial planning policy statement
Gravel Watch Ontario (GWO) is a province-wide coalition of citizen groups and individuals that acts in the interests of residents and communities to protect the health, safety, quality of life of Ontarians and the natural environment in matters that relate to aggregate resources. Formed in 2003 we have over 20 years of experience assisting both communities and government agencies in matters related to aggregate matters.

Replacing the Provincial Policy Statement 2020 and the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe with the Provincial Planning Statement 2023 focussed solely on accelerating housing supply is short sighted and maladaptive to deal with the broad scope of issues not only related to affordable housing but also neglects consideration for the public interest and the social and environment aspects inherent in good planning practice. The singular focus of PPS 2023 which prioritizes land development at the expense of other provincial matters concerning the public interest is irresponsible governance. Good planning practice is comprehensive, integrated, and has a balanced policy direction for land use planning which is missing in this ERO.

We urge you once again to not proceed with the proposal.