I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act.

These changes pose significant threats to our province's rich cultural heritage and the mechanisms in place to protect it.

Undermining Heritage Protections
The "designate or lose it" approach jeopardizes over 36,000 heritage properties across Ontario, many of which are integral to the historical fabric of our communities. The arbitrary removal of these properties from heritage registers disregards their cultural significance and the time required for thorough evaluation and designation processes.

Impact on Municipalities and Communities
Municipalities, especially those with limited resources, rely on heritage registers to identify and protect properties of historical value. The proposed changes would strain these municipalities, forcing them to expedite designations without adequate time or resources, potentially leading to the loss of irreplaceable heritage assets. We risk leaving properties vulnerable to demolition or unsympathetic alterations.

Contradicting Sustainable Development Goals
Preserving heritage buildings aligns with sustainable development practices by reducing construction waste and conserving embodied energy. Adaptive reuse of existing structures contributes to environmental sustainability and maintains the unique character of our communities. The proposed amendments, however, prioritize rapid development over thoughtful conservation, undermining these sustainable practices.

Lack of Public Consultation
Significant changes to heritage legislation warrant comprehensive public consultation. The expedited introduction of these amendments without adequate stakeholder engagement undermines democratic processes and disregards the voices of those committed to preserving Ontario's heritage.

Withdraw Bill 5 in its entirety.