The consequences of this…

The consequences of this Bill could be devastating. Schedule 10 opens a back door to developing the Greenbelt, gutting hard-earned drinking water and environmental protections. It threatens drinking water and farmland across Ontario. It threatens species at risk and special habitats set out in the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) under the Planning Act. It overrides protections for natural heritage and farmland set out in the Greenbelt Plan and the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan. It would override policies supporting active transportation, affordable housing, green infrastructure and climate resiliency. It threatens human and wildlife health through increased exposure to toxic chemicals by repealing the Toxics Reduction Act, which requires certain industrial facilities to consider ways to reduce the use and emission of toxic chemicals in their operations.

No public consultation, notice or meetings are required under Bill 66. If a project is approved, there will be no appeal process allowed and no ability for recourse, no matter how flawed the original decision. Contrary to current legal requirements (Planning Act, Clean Water Act), the by-laws could be passed without any prior public notice, behind closed doors.

Bill 66 is not acceptable. It threatens the health and safety of all Ontarians, while circumventing democratic processes designed to allow for public information and participation.