This provincial government’s…

This provincial government’s actions, exemplified by Bill 212, pose a serious threat to our democracy. The 'cancel culture' and 'get out of the way' mentality undermine the values of the majority of Ontarians seeking affordable, cleaner lifestyles.

Municipal authorities must maintain the lead on bike lane development without provincial oversight, as they are more attuned to community needs. Research from cities like New York, Paris, Copenhagen, and Montreal reveals that bike lanes can dramatically reduce car commuter times. Supporting municipalities in expanding bike infrastructure aligns with efforts to lower emissions; for example, Toronto saw a remarkable increase of 4 million bike trips over eight years. More cyclists mean less congestion and fewer vehicles on the road, which is essential for reducing our carbon footprint, and also means bike lanes are necessary to meet the demand.

The concept of induced demand should be utilized here for transit and alternative wheeled vehicle/cycle lanes instead of inciting more gridlock with cars. Cycling is not only a sustainable lifestyle choice but also a practical one, with a much smaller environmental impact than cars. The carbon footprint of bike manufacturing is typically offset within just a year of use.

Additionally, it's hypocritical for the Premier to spend millions fighting federal overreach while simultaneously infringing on municipal rights regarding bike lanes—contradicting the Cutting Red Tape Act meant to expedite infrastructure improvements; seems only highways get expedited. Moreover, instead of investing in transit, millions are wasted on highway construction ad campaigns.

Expropriating Greenbelt lands for highways is unacceptable and relocating utility infrastructure ‘in the way’ of these potential highways risks the expropriation of even more vital agricultural and Greenbelt lands. In 2023, Ontarians clearly expressed that the Greenbelt should remain untouched. Viable alternatives exist to address housing shortages and traffic, yet this government dismisses these options in favor of more sprawl development, the 413 and the Bradford Bypass, which threaten our food and water security, climate efforts, health and overall well being, benefiting only developers and taking construction companies away from more critical infrastructure improvements.

Furthermore, we must insist on thorough environmental impact assessments for Highway 413 and the Bradford Bypass projects and intervene to protect Species At Risk legislation, hopefully before the Premier downgrades the rating for the many species in question like the Redside dace, the Red-headed woodpecker, the Blanding's turtle. Moreover, a regional environmental impact review is warranted given the ongoing loss of agricultural land, green space and wetlands since this government took office, Oak Ridges Moraine Headwaters area is an example.

Finally, transferring regulatory powers for towing zones from the Lieutenant Governor General to the Minister of Transportation is not really about improving the current towing zone structures. It is about removing provincial accountability and limiting another independent body from holding this government accountable. As it did with the Ontario Energy Board, the Greenbelt Council, Conservation Authorities and an additional hit to municipalities - a troubling trend that erodes municipal oversight and accountability of this government while lending itself more power.

As it stands, I am opposed to Bill 212.