I am writing to strongly…

I am writing to strongly object to the proposed exemptions from the Environmental Bill of Rights that will strip Ontarians the right to be advised of, or make comment on any permits to Ontario Place, on or off site, to support the project.

This bill of rights exists to ensure our environment is protected for everyone now, and generations to come. Thousands of Ontario citizens have spoken up and shared concerns regarding the welfare and protection of this sensitive waterfront ecosystem. They have provided well informed, intelligent commentary along with realistic and very reasonable alternatives to the Mega Spa plans. Ontarians deserve to be informed of large, suspicious projects our government is executing. Depriving us of valuable community knowledge is shameful.

Myself, along with well over 30,000 other Ontarians (as collected by Ontario Place For All’s petition) know that this proposal does not reflect the public’s interests. It is compromising the future of this much needed waterfront site which truly only serves to benefit private interests of foreign companies. Many of us will never be able to afford services at the Mega Spa. Many of us could reasonably access Ontario Place and the stretch of public lands however.

In a world of climate and biodiversity crisis, why is our government seeking to participate in destruction instead of protection? Why would you destroy the homes of countless birds (their populations already being so sensitive and declining), forcing coyotes to dangerously venture further into the city, along with other creatures who lost their habitats in those early hours mid October. Why would you compromise our environment further? Why do you seek to remove our right to necessary knowledge?

There’s still time to change course. Listen to the voices of the people who live here instead of the overwhelming greed you hear from business developers.