Bill 212 is frustratingly…

Bill 212 is frustratingly backward, it is plainly ideological policy.

The ideas put forward are not evidence based, in fact these measure are the opposite of transportation experts say will reduce gridlock.

More highways and less bike lanes will not reduce gridlock.

As a person who often drives a car, walks, and cycles to get around, I am concerned about the implication to safety of this legislation for those outside of cars. I'm concerned about the induced demand and increased car traffic, and about the increased cost and red tape required for municipalities to plan and maintain their transportation networks.

One would hope that a policy that is costly, increases bureaucracy, impedes on local decision making, reduces safety, reduces transportation choices, and increases travel times would not be under consideration. Again, this bill is incredibly disappointing.

The lunacy of reducing environment requirement to build highway 413, a costly highway that transportation experts say will reduce travel times by less than a minute but will cost billions of dollars and eat up some of the most productive farmland in Canada, is also hard to understand. Environmental studies have many practical aspects, like assessing flood risks, and this work should not be compromised in favour of expediency.

I would implore our provincial representatives to strive to support legislation that adds choice instead of taking it away, makes transportation networks safer for everyone, allows local decision makers to plan and enact plans that reflect the needs of their entire communities (not just the wealthy), and to safe guard farmland, headwaters and groundwater recharge areas.

In short, please do not allow this bill to pass.