I have several concerns with…

I have several concerns with Bill 66.

First, the possibility of provincial intervention to advance development proposals in previously protected areas, including the Greenbelt, Oak Ridges Moraine, within Source Water Protection Areas, and within the Lake Simcoe Watershed is concerning. These areas are protected because they are of prime importance to drinking water recharge, for farmland, wildlife corridors, and ultimately the health and well being of Ontario's citizens.

Protecting groundwater is especially important because contamination is very difficult to remediate. In my undergraduate degree in Environmental Engineering in Nova Scotia I learned about the leaching of toxic chemicals from the Uniroyal Chemical site in Elmira into the local groundwater table. I have also worked on other contaminated sites and understand the importance of strong protections to prevent pollutants from entering our drinking water.

I am also concerned that planning exemptions granted under Bill 66 would not require notification or consultation with residents.

Agriculture is important to Ontario's economy, and I am concerned that this bill will reduce the ability of farmers to produce local, healthy food profitibly. For example, Mark Reusser of the Waterloo Federation of Agriculture indicates that “The agricultural sector contributes over a half billion dollars to our local economy every year” Farmland is a finite resource - soil that is taken out of agricultural use can't be returned to agriculture. Protection of farmland from development is important for our economy and food security.

I believe that the economy can grow the economy good jobs can be developed while still protecting our drinking water, allowing space for farms, and setting aside protected lands. Smart growth with building in existing urban areas can allow our regions to grow while allowing rural communities and farms to also thrive.