Requiring Ministry-approval…

Requiring Ministry-approval of municipal bike lane projects is additional red tape and an unnecessary interference in very local issues. It should be easier rather than harder to approve and put in place active transportation improvements such as bike lanes in order to reduce CO2 emissions, help to build more connected and accessible neighbourhoods and improve safety for all road users. Creating more walkable and cyclable neighbourhoods helps to create more desirable places to live that are more economically productive.

Highway 413 and similar highway projects should not be excluded from the requirements of the Environmental Assessment process, Environmental Bill of Rights and Planning Act. The emphasis on expanding roadways at the expense of other considerations, especially environmental ones, is short-sighted. These Acts exist for a reason.