Hello, I am 19 years old and…

Hello, I am 19 years old and I live in the GTA. Thank you for the work you do. Although I vote, I've never been one to send comments on political matters because I've always felt a consistent detachment from myself and the government. This time will not be the case. As a young person, I feel that people my age share similar dreams about the environment and how it connects to the lives we want to live. We also see how a living environment affects the way that people are nurtured and see the world.

Discussing Traffic and Car Dependency. Young people are tired of urban sprawls. Being raised in a neighbourhood where nothing is within walking distance is terrible. Having to drive a car (if one can afford it) or require someone to transport them through traffic to get to school, buy groceries, or meet with a friend is absurd. The lack of independence is astounding and falls short in comparison to other nations. There are too many cars on our streets with just ONE occupant. Added with the costs of adding more roads, parking spaces, waterworks and the maintenance of these long distance projects, Urban Sprawls are not the answer - ESPECIALLY on vital land that is crucial for our country's health.

How this affects People. Young people in urban sprawls are tired of feeling the bland repetition and isolation of their living environments. They feel as though they have to travel long distances to find something to do. There is a lack of identity and meaning within these "communities" and it is becoming a more valid concern for people. And it's true; being surrounded by endless roads and lifeless streets of outlet malls is ugly and empty. Whatever happened to letting our people have real life experiences? We should let people live in places surrounded by others LIVING and PARTICIPATING. Isolated and spread out neighbourhoods discourage human interaction and an IDENTITY. People feel indifferent and don't feel connected in Urban sprawls. Densely populated cities carry an IDENTITY and sense of UNISON. It feels like our government doesn't want to continue supporting a united population. There are ways to build more homes WITHOUT sacrificing the vibrance and warmth of people.

We do not need this project to happen. It will only waste the land that makes this country great. We can grow elsewhere. AND PROPERLY. What could be better than having a vibrant country to live in?