As a resident of Waterloo…

As a resident of Waterloo region, I am deeply concerned that the removal of Planning Authority from the Region of Waterloo could jeopardize, compromise, and even eliminate most of our environmental protections including the Countryside Line, Protected Countryside, Environmentally Sensitive Landscapes, and ESPA areas. Rather than eroding environmental protections, the Region of Waterloo requires Greenbelt expansion for adequate protection of primary groundwater recharge areas.

More broadly, there are very concerning changes across all areas of Ontario that eliminate the ability for citizens to appeal development decisions to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), changing what constitutes “public notice”, and changing the criteria for the opening of settlement area (urban) boundaries that will allow almost unlimited urban expansion onto farmland.

In sum, with respect to Bill 185, I recommend that:

- Planning Authority should be retained by the Region of Waterloo, our Countryside Line remain intact, and forced boundary expansions eliminated,

- If Planning Authority is removed Greenbelt expansion is required to adequately protect the Waterloo Moraine,

- Changes to Settlement Area Boundaries should not be permitted outside of regular municipal comprehensive review periods,

- The Attorney General should disclose all communications with municipalities and developers requesting changes to third party appeal rights.

Thank you.