Re. Bill 162, the "Get it…

Re. Bill 162, the "Get it Done" Act -- I am opposed to this Bill.
"Development" and "key protected areas" do not belong together. I was involved in the 2022 Waterloo Region Official Plan consultations along with thousands of others -- we submitted a carefully considered and visionary plan to grow Waterloo Region, accommodating population growth sustainably through intensified and affordable housing and improved public transit. To date, the government has taken no steps to instil confidence in how to address the housing shortage and protect species habitat and farmland.

Second, I support the Region of Waterloo Engineering and Environmental staff presentation to Regional Council on Wednesday March 20. Staff explained why the Regional Recharge Area must be protected from urban development. An overlap of urban development in the recharge areas generates huge risks to the quantity and quality of our water supply. This will also have a knock-on effect on future housing. Preserving the Region's recharge areas will protect aquatic habitat and ecosystems, and preserve the health of the Grand River watershed.