In reality this proposal…

In reality this proposal cuts spending to cities and threatens to increase taxes. It removes protection for renters and no longer requires developers to replace affordable housing when existing buildings are re-developed. Bill 23 eliminates many municipal and Green Building standards that were in place as part of their Climate Action Plans. Bill 23 diminishes not only municipal input on planning decisions but also those of Conservation Authorities and private citizens. As a citizen of voting age, I did not vote for this. This is not democratic. Yes we are experiencing a housing crisis, but we are also experiencing a climate emergency. We need to address this delicate balance and keep sustainable, green initiatives in place while we work toward solving the housing crisis. Building with no plan other than to line the pockets of developers, fast, is meaningless if we don't mitigate the climate crisis.