It is with deep concern and…

It is with deep concern and disappointment that I submit this public comment on Bill 212, a piece of legislation that epitomizes misguided governance and a blatant disregard for evidence-based policy. The bill's proposals, particularly the removal of bike lanes under the guise of improving traffic flow, lack any substantive foundation. In fact, research and international case studies unequivocally demonstrate that removing bike lanes does not alleviate traffic congestion; it exacerbates it. Cities that have embraced cycling infrastructure, such as Copenhagen and Amsterdam, have seen tangible reductions in car traffic, improved urban mobility, and enhanced quality of life for residents. The notion that the removal of bike lanes would aid in the betterment of traffic conditions is not only baseless but wasteful, diverting public funds toward dismantling infrastructure that contributes to greener, healthier, and more sustainable communities.

Furthermore, this bill reveals itself to be a gross misallocation of time and resources. The emphasis on bike lane removal as a "solution" to traffic issues is nothing more than a smokescreen for the real intention: to bulldoze forward with the ill-conceived Highway 413 project. This deeply controversial highway serves no practical purpose other than to further entrench Ontario in a car-centric culture while exacerbating environmental degradation, urban sprawl, and the erosion of farmland and ecosystems. Highway 413 is an affront to responsible urban planning, and its inclusion within the scope of Bill 212 is nothing short of an overreach of the provincial government’s authority. Pushing through this highway, under the radar of meaningful public discourse, is an egregious display of political maneuvering—one that prioritizes short-term interests over the long-term well-being of Ontario's residents and natural heritage.

What is equally disturbing is the conspicuous absence of any meaningful consideration within this bill for transit improvements. It is a well-established fact that robust public transit systems are one of the most effective ways to mitigate traffic congestion and improve mobility, yet Bill 212 offers nothing in this regard. This omission further underscores the lack of evidence and foresight in the drafting of this legislation. If the government's true goal were to improve traffic conditions, investment in public transit and active transportation networks would be at the forefront of this bill. Instead, Bill 212 is a transparent ploy—an effort to inflame cultural divides over bike lanes and traffic issues, while the real agenda of pushing through a politically motivated highway remains unchecked.

In sum, Bill 212 is a deeply flawed and cynical piece of legislation. It is devoid of genuine solutions to the pressing traffic issues in Ontario, offers no meaningful improvements to public transit, and represents a profound overreach of government authority in its push to fast-track Highway 413. I urge the Ontario government to abandon this misdirected effort and instead pursue policies grounded in evidence, sustainability, and the public good.