I do not believe this bill…

I do not believe this bill should pass as it would endanger important agricultural land and present increased health safety risks for any new housing development near farms.

Firstly, there has been no sign that increased residential zoning changes has had an impact on the actual amount and affordability of housing projects being completed. There is a record number of housing projects approved within major cities that have never been started or are still under construction years into the process. Furthermore, this bill does not address key affordability issues when it comes to housing. These issues, supply cost and construction employee numbers, should be prioritized rather than expanding where housing can be built.

Secondly, agriculture and farming involves potential exposure to chemicals and biological toxins on a near constant basis. While farmers have experience in keeping themselves and their employees safe through proper PPE, the impact of these dangerous substances remains in the land as well as spread out over significant distances. Any residential building project would be exposed to health risks and potentially contaminated land which would negate any possible affordability benefits.

Thirdly, there is already a major farming crisis in Ontario and Canada. As the cost of farming has increased over the years and the interest in this important jobs has decreased, Ontario is already facing a lack of accessible and local food supplies. To further reduce the agricultural facilities of Ontario would see the price of food and farm-related goods sky-rocket even more. Ontario must protect the farming industry by providing assistance to farmers and helping them find successors as they age out of the workforce.

Lastly, the unnecessary expansion of housing projects on agricultural would have significant ecological impact as it would reduce already endangered habitats for animals, increase the carbon footprint of the province, and cause significant disruptions on local communities. Housing is a large producer of carbon footprint, and expanding possible housing project brings with it significant costs. From getting the supplies for making a house to digging up the grounds for sewer access or sanitation necessities, the amount of CO2 produced by the process is significant. Ontario is already not fulfilling its ecological obligations. It should not be increasing the carbon emissions at such a time.