The Ontario Provincial…

The Ontario Provincial Government’s proposal to require municipal approval for bike lanes that replace traffic lanes is a poor policy choice that opposes public interest. Ontario’s cities, especially Toronto, struggle with severe gridlock, which stems from decades of underinvestment in modern, efficient, and safe transportation options. Cities simply can’t sustain an endless increase in car lanes without compromising livability, safety, and travel times. Shifting toward cycling and other alternative forms of transportation is key to easing urban congestion.

The City of Toronto funds its own transportation infrastructure and manages its roads, and the provincial government does not contribute financially. Therefore, the province should not be imposing controls over bike lanes or demanding local approval.

This proposal does nothing to tackle gridlock genuinely; rather, it is a politically motivated effort based on faulty assumptions. It undermines public safety, sustainable development, and the quality of urban life. This regulation should be rejected to preserve the best interests of Toronto and its citizens.