This bill is full of…

This bill is full of extremely short-sighted and non-data supported decision-making. It continues to show the focus of this government is enriching donors and developers for short term profits and not making life better for Ontarians.

Starting with the bike lane proposal which is a transparent attempt to cover up the far more nefarious pieces of legislation contained within the bill. On its face, limiting bike infrastructure is proven to be more dangerous for all road users and also contributes to worse air quality in the city. I don’t think I need to link the numerous studies, Global urban experiences (Paris in particular), and the innumerable professional, planning, and medical organizations that have spoken out against this legislation using data and lived experiences. It is a shallow joke that the lanes the Premier is focusing on are those that impact his commute only. I live in the city and am a driver and pedestrian (I aspire to cycle but it is too dangerous with no bike lanes in my neighbourhood). I deeply appreciate the growth of separated and well-signed bike lanes that help me protect cyclists and help make driving a little more predictable in a very busy city. It is also an established fact that adding lanes for drivers does not reduce traffic. One only has to look at Los Angeles to see that in full demonstration. Having better bike and pedestrian infrastructure also improves safety for the most vulnerable users - slowing down cars literally saves lives.

I am excited and inspired that Toronto is growing and full of life but that only means more traffic. The only time we had none was in a global pandemic - not something we want to return to. Other strategies to have fewer cars in the road are the only way forward. When do I get to take the Eglinton LRT? Who knows?

Transitioning to the proposed 413 highway. A highway no one wants, that will destroy farmland, negatively impact the environment, and hurt endangered species. I hope those who live in the region that will be paved over read the fine-print on how their property and houses will be bulldozed through appropriation with little notice and no recourse. Same applies for the expansion of broadband. Access to the internet is now essential but rather than engaging stakeholders and coming up with reasonable compromises, this government would rather just ram through their plans as quickly as possible before someone can examine what went on behind closed doors (or on personal cell phones).

Using legal loopholes to ram through legislation on projects that are so clearly flawed is the opposite of democracy. But this government has only shown how they can’t work collaboratively, have no desire to use any data to make decisions, and pander only to wedding guests and insiders. One I only has to look at the Green Belt scandal to see how and why this project is such a priority for the premier. I wish this government would focus on Provincial
Issues such as healthcare and education and maybe a future environment that isn’t a traffic and pollution hellscape. But I guess I can take my $200 vote bribe and easily access marijuana, and beer in my neighbourhood - that is if I don’t get run over by a car getting to the store.