I am deeply concerned about…

I am deeply concerned about Bill 212 and how this impacts local autonomy as well as community driven design. I ask that the committee push back against Bill 212 and reshape it to prioritize local design decisions.

As a teenager, I experienced Bloor Street on a daily basis. I would walk by it on the way to school, go to lunch there, socialize with friends, and enjoy all it had to offer. As an adult, I was able to enjoy the amazing bike lanes which were installed. The bike lanes encouraged me to ride, improving my health and to explore the local neighbourhood. My partner has also become a regular cyclist because of the bike lanes installed in our area. Without them we will be forced to drive or spend more money on personal transportation, adding to congestion and slowing traffic.

Outside of this personal impact, the bike lanes were implemented after a strong engagement campaign led by local leaders and community members. To remove these bike lanes, or even approve a framework that allows them to be removed, invalidates our local democracy and subverts the proper order of governance in the province. With over 400 municipalities coming under review, this just gives too much power to Queen's Park and the Minister of Transportation.

I ask that you do your best to rectify the serious errors this bill could enshrine in law. Restore local autonomy and remove any requirement to remove specific bike lanes!

Thank you for your time.