Informally: this bill SUCKS…

Informally: this bill SUCKS

More formally: wild habitats and biomes are essential for human health and economic prosperity, and limiting the effectiveness of environmental protections and rolling back species habitat protections by changing the definition of "habitat" is short-sighted and irresponsible. Defining "habitat" as only the immediate surroundings of a den or dwelling is patently ridiculous - imagine telling someone that their "neighbourhood" ends at their front door. Imagine asserting that their streets, grocery stores, and parks could all be demolished with no replacement, but if the person doing it promises not to touch the house itself, then they have been is adequately protected.

In terms of protections for human and economic health - just last year we saw record-breaking rainfall in the southern part of this province, flooding major streets and many people's homes and businesses. Wetlands and wild areas are essential for being able to absorb rainfall, and they help prevent and mitigate the effects of massive flooding such as we saw last year. The widespread sprawl-type development encouraged by this bill will make these problems continually worse.

There are many, many ways of economically investing in Ontario that do not require that developers chosen by the Provincial Government be given specific license to ignore what have been scientific best practices for decades. Our species diversity and protected wild spaces are some of the best on the planet, and are a huge draw for people to live and invest here. Invest in Ontario, absolutely, but not without ensuring that it remains a safe, enjoyable, and environmentally sound place to live.