This legislation is a major…

This legislation is a major overreach by the provincial government into municipal affairs. It is unacceptable that the province would interfere and prevent any small municipality from designing and implementing infrastructure that meets the needs and wants of local residents. It is absurd that local government officials would need to seek the personal approval of the Minister to implement minor infrastructure in a small town that the Minister has never even visited. The provincial government needs to respect the authority of local municipalities.

This legislation doesn’t respect data that proves bike lanes are an effective means of reducing traffic congestion. It prevents residents of towns and cities from being able to make transportation choices for themselves that suit their individual needs. Municipalities have an obligation to build infrastructure that enables choice and option; this legislation precludes that benefit and is contrary to the needs of residents who want to make suitable choices for themselves.

The Premier himself no longer sits in the City Council of Toronto. If he wants to meddle with local affairs of that city, he should resign and stand for election locally. It is unethical and embarrassing that the provincial government would impose sweeping legislation that negatively impacts every small town in this province because the Premier doesn’t personally like bike lanes on Bloor St. Stop interfering in local business!