I am absolutely against Bill…

I am absolutely against Bill 23 in its current state as its attack on regional planning is counterproductive for housing affordability – as well as being environmentally disastrous.

The most glaring feature of this Bill (23) and its associated policy proposals is the attack on Conservation Authorities, woodlands and provincially significant wetlands that aims to enable destruction of wetland habitats and conservation lands. This Bill prohibits Conservation Authorities’ power to protect anything beyond managing floodwaters and erosion which would leave vast swathes of Ontario’s most important habitats largely unprotected.

I am absolutely against Bill 23 and the fact that it would remove the requirement for government permission and allow the sale of conservation lands – including endangered or threatened species habitat, wetlands, and areas of natural and scientific interest.

Ontario has more than enough room in existing neighborhoods and lands already designated for development than it will need for housing for many decades. We need to preserve every acre of farmland and habitat, and use scarce construction materials, construction labour, equipment and supporting infrastructure to maximize the number of well-designed and low-cost homes and transform existing post-WWII subdivisions into public transit-supporting complete communities.

Unless the major flaws in Bill 23 are addressed, it will further the destruction of critical natural areas in a time of climate crisis, while also failing to deliver the urban transformation – or the affordable housing – that Ontario needs.