I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my concern about Bill 212, regarding the provincial overreach impacting Toronto’s infrastructure management, adversely affecting the safety of cyclists and fast-tracking Highway 413 ahead of indigenous consulation and environmental assessment.

As a resident of Toronto, I am deeply concerned about the implications of Bill 23 and the proposed Bill 212. The significant reduction in our city’s infrastructure budget due to Bill 23 has already strained our ability to maintain and improve essential services. The additional measures proposed in Bill 212 threaten to further disrupt our city’s carefully balanced infrastructure planning, which is crucial for addressing street space allocation, climate action, affordability, road safety, and overall quality of life.

I believe that the City of Toronto, with its unique needs and challenges, is best positioned to manage its own infrastructure. The proposed section 195.2 of the Highway Traffic Act represents an overreach that undermines local governance and the ability of our elected officials to serve the interests of their constituents effectively.

Furthermore, it puts the safety of the cyclists at risk. A 2019 City of Toronto report suggests that nearly 44% of Toronto residents identified themselves as utilitarian cyclists which means they use biking to commute to work, school, shopping or social purposes. Data from the 2016 census indicate that the mode share of cycling in some Toronto neighborhoods is as high as 34%. Copenhagen in Denmark saves an estimated $357 million a year in healthcare costs by encouraging biking instead of driving. With the provincial government wanting to make the best use of taxpayers' money, ensuring safe biking can be an effective way to do so in the long run.

I urge you and your colleagues to support this motion and advocate for the withdrawal of the proposed section 195.2. It is essential that the Province respects the jurisdiction of municipalities to manage their own infrastructure and address the competing demands of their residents. It is also important to prioritize sustainable transportation modes like biking and ensuring the safety of the cyclists.

Thank you.