The Province of Ontario…

The Province of Ontario should not remove the rights from municipal level authorities to implement regulations/processes that ensure aspects of public-transit connectivity and protecting the environment when applying for new developments. The most concerning is the removal of the Toronto Green Standards (TGS). As a citizen of Toronto, I can say TGS is keeping the City of Toronto green, and citizens happy. Likewise, TGS is adding to green infrastructure with bicycle parking, green spaces, stormwater retention, and other design aspects that mitigate climate change.

These elements as described above have been part of the development approval process for over two decades now, and have shaped the lovely City of Toronto that we live in. Likewise, other municipalities in the GTA have been coming up with their own versions of sustainability matrix, which show this practice is the right way to go. I recommend that this bill does not get passed and instead, allow municipalities to govern their own municipal development approvals by continuing to include environmental reviews as part of the process. Time-and-time again, it has been proven that local citizens know what is best for their city. I am not opposed to development; I just am a strong supporter of “smart” and sustainable development. This is important for the future of all of Ontario.