Bill 212 is incredibly…

Bill 212 is incredibly shortsighted and would be a huge step backwards for the province of Ontario on the global stage.

Professional civil engineers and urban planners have long understood that bicycle lanes are significantly more efficient at moving commuters than car lanes are. This bill discourages efficient commuting - which is hypocritically the exact opposite outcome from its stated goal.

Further to this point, Ontario does not need highway 413. As repeatedly proven by both traffic planning studies worldwide and the provincial study specifically about highway 413, adding more traffic lanes does NOT ease congestion and demand will only increase. The result of more lanes is more traffic. Ontarians do not need more traffic, we need better and more efficient transportation options such as expanded train networks, dependable rapid bus lines, and a widely connected cycling network.

The most deeply distressing component of Bill 212 is the removal of environmental protection checks and balances for new projects. Ontario fertile farmland and biodiverse wetlands are finite and precious. Multiple previous governments have made significant efforts to protect this land for good reason. Removing the thorough environmental review process for infrastructure development will lead to permanent and unnecessary damage of some our most valuable land and ecosystems.

I do not support Bill 212. I urge our decision makers to consult further with registered civil engineering, urban planning, and environmental engineering professionals prior to approving any of the bill's contents.