This bill is a step back on…

This bill is a step back on long-term infrastructure that can sustain the growing population. In addition, the removal of cycling infrastructure is against what evidence and data has proven, that cycling does help improve congestion in neighborhoods. In addition, the use of protected cycling ensures the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and motor vehicle users. The cycling infrastructure provides further benefit to the community by increasing traffic to local businesses.

However, beyond the discussion of cycling infrastructure, Schedule 3 of the Bill 212 document specificaly states for " exemption from the Environmental Assessment Act for enterprises, activities, proposals, plans and programs for or related to Highway 413, including the Highway 413 Project and the Highway 413 early works projects."

This is a clear indication that Bill 212 is not focused on addressing the safety of commuters, but instead is a means to shortcut through specific process to speed up Highway 413 and other related projects. In other words, this is intended to harm fragile ecosystems and communities within Ontario, with no consideration for long-term effects.

In summary, Bill 212 ignores evidence and data that prove improvements to gridlock, commuter safety, and benefits local businesses as a whole. The exemption from environmental assessments further emphasize that this bill is not meant for the improvement of gridlock in congested cities, but instead as a means to cut through important regulation that exist to protect the health and well-being of the enviroment and the community.