I am writing to urgently…

I am writing to urgently oppose Bill 212 and the Highway 413 Act, 2024. This legislation raises serious concerns about the future of Ontario’s environment, economy, and communities. By exempting Highway 413 from environmental assessments, the government is bypassing crucial protections for our natural resources. The Greenbelt, which this highway will cut through, plays a key role in maintaining biodiversity, preventing floods, and absorbing carbon emissions. Environmental Defence has shown that this project will destroy over 400 acres of environmentally sensitive land.

In addition to environmental damage, Bill 212 promotes car dependency by removing essential bike lanes. These lanes aren’t just for cyclists—they make our streets safer for everyone, reduce traffic congestion, and help lower emissions. They also boost local economies, as businesses on bike-friendly streets benefit from increased foot and bike traffic. Removing this infrastructure will make our cities less accessible and less sustainable.

Highway 413 will cost over $8 billion—a staggering amount for a project that won’t reduce gridlock. Decades of research show that building more highways only leads to more cars on the road, worsening traffic and emissions. Ontario should focus on expanding public transit and cycling infrastructure, which deliver far greater economic and environmental benefits.

Bill 212 is not the solution Ontario needs. I urge you to abandon this legislation and instead focus on sustainable, forward-looking transportation policies that benefit all Ontarians.