I’m writing as a deeply…

I’m writing as a deeply concerned citizen to oppose Bill 212 and the Highway 413 Act, 2024. This bill threatens the heart of our communities, the environment, and the safety of Ontarians. By exempting Highway 413 from the Environmental Assessment Act, this legislation allows irreversible harm to sensitive Greenbelt lands, which are vital for protecting our air, water, and wildlife. Environmental Defence has shown that this highway will destroy over 400 acres of critical natural habitat.

Highway 413 won’t solve congestion—it will make it worse. Experts around the world have proven that building more highways leads to induced demand, creating more traffic and pollution. If we want to reduce gridlock, we need smart, forward-thinking solutions like better public transit and bike lanes. Every bike on the road is one less car, which means less pollution, less noise, and safer streets for everyone.

Removing bike lanes in Toronto under Bill 212 is a huge step backward. These lanes don’t just help cyclists—they make streets safer for pedestrians and drivers too. Plus, local businesses benefit from increased foot and bike traffic. Why would we take away something that helps people get around safely and supports our economy? We are now seeing more people riding their bikes than ever on streets like Bloor, University and Yonge. If bike lanes are in place, more people will ride bikes. Period. The Ontario government claiming that < 2% of people in Toronto ride bikes is no longer accurate as this study was completed in 2011, prior to the implementation of numerous bike lanes across the city. A study from 2019 however, found that 44% of Torontonians will bike in good weather to get to school, work, shop or visit friends, on top of an additional 26% of people who only bike for fun or fitness. Through induced demand, more bike lanes have lead to more people riding bikes. Getting rid of the bike lanes and adding more lanes for car traffic will inevitability lead to more cars on the road due to the same principle. The solution to congestion is not removal of bike lanes. In fact, bike lanes are an integral part of the solution, in addition to improving our public transit services. The solution to congestion is not adding more lanes onto the road, as that only encourages more people to drive. Taking away our bike lanes is a temporary fix to a long term problem. Having additional lanes for cars on Bloor, University and Yonge will temporarily address congestion concerns. However with continued population growth and lack of alternative options, the streets will inevitability become congested with cars once again and we will be back at the same problem as we are having now.

Please reconsider this bill. Ontario needs infrastructure that brings people together, not policies that divide us and harm our future. Let’s invest in sustainable, community-centered transportation solutions that benefit everyone.