I am writing regarding Bill…

I am writing regarding Bill 212 - Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024. Despite the name of the bill, the bill would accomplish the complete opposite: It will end up increasing the congestion of cars on the road, and will end up costing Ontarians time stuck in traffic.

Schedule 2 of the Bill would allow the government to "[prohibit] registered owners from applying under the Expropriations Act for the adjustment of the date of possession for land that was expropriated by the Minister for the purposes of a priority highway project". This would allow the government from force expropriate land from their rightful owners at a time of the government's choosing, without the right to appeal the time of expropriation. This would be a gross overreach of the government's powers to push through a project of their choosing, without a method of appeal.

Schedule 3 of the Bill would allow the government to bypass the Environmental Assessments process *specifically* for Highway 413. Again, this is a shortsighted decision, and an overreach of government powers. Not only is the Environmental Assessment process serve an important purpose - to make sure any projects we build does not negatively impact the environment we live in, but the fact that this Bill *specifically* gives this exemption to Highway 413 and not any transit project shows that this government's priority is more highways. Adding additional highways have shown to not decrease congestion in the long run, and may increase it once induced demand causes more people to drive and clog up the roads. The government should focus on advancing public transit projects that have shown to take demand off of the road, and make transit faster for both riders and drivers.

In addition, the bike lane provisions of the Bill is perhaps the most overreaching part of the entire Bill. This would allow the government to override the decision of municipality governments, which are elected by its resident citizens, and impose their agenda against the people's will. As a Torontonian who does not ride a bike, the bike lanes in the city have been a great addition as both a pedestrian *and* a motorist. Giving bikes their own lane makes the sidewalks safer for pedestrians as they no longer need to fight for sidewalk space with bikes. In addition, this also makes motorists safer as it makes bikes more prominent and harder to hit with the separation. By using this act to remove the bike lanes, this will make everyone less safe. It will also increase gridlock as some bicyclists would drive instead, increasing the load on the roads

In conclusion, Bill 212 is shortsighted, overreaching, and extends the power of the provincial government to an unacceptable level. I would not vote for this government if this Bill passes. If the government has a shred of integrity and wants the trust and votes of Ontarians, it would do the right thing and withdraw the Bill from consideration.