I am writing to object in…

I am writing to object in the strongest possible way to the proposed exemptions from the Environmental Bill of Rights that will remove the right of Ontarians to be advised of, or to comment on, any required permits at Ontario Place, on or off site, to support the project.

The Environmental Bill of Rights exists to ensure that Ontario's environment in all its forms is protected for future generations. As this applies to Ontario Place, thousands of Ontarians have spoken out about their concerns related to protection of this fragile waterfront ecosystem. They have provided well-informed, intelligent commentary along with realistic and reasonable alternatives to the government's current plans. This move not only deprives citizens of their rights but the government of valuable community knowledge.

The proposal is not in the public interest, compromises the future of this critical waterfront site and serves only to benefit the private interests of foreign companies. Instead it represents one more compromise in environmental protection, and citizen's rights to be informed, at a time when Ontario along with the rest of the planet is facing a climate and biodiversity crisis. It is truly shameful this bill was proposed in its current light, and would be to the greater detriment of the citizens of this province, as well as the environment as a whole, if it were to pass. The need for economic growth is no excuse for destroying the environment; this bill shows a complete lack of understanding or effort on the provinces part to create a mutually beneficial solution, instead of simply choosing the easiest, laziest, and most destructive path forward.