I am writing today to state…

I am writing today to state my clear opposition to the “open for business by-law.” Planning applications under this by-law would not be subject to the Clean Water Act, Provincial Policy Statement, Growth Plan for Northern Ontario, and other prescribed provisions that protect human health and the environment. Use of this by-law could put drinking water at risk in Ontario, and cause environmental degradation that will come with high costs in the future.

The bill neglects an important balance between environmental, economic and social needs. This is inconsistent with a more holistic and sustainable position that protect human health and the environment.

As a member of the Greater Sudbury Drinking Water Source Protection Committee for the past 12 years, I find it unimaginable that Source Protection Plans and regulation created to remove significant drinking water threats could be bypassed to allow developments to proceed which could threaten thousands or more people with polluted drinking water. This can not be allowed to happen. People will die.

Bill 66 ignores what we need to do to prepare for climate change and the rights of citizens to be informed and have a say on developments which will affect their neighbourhoods. This is not good governance.

I urge you not to pass Bill 66.

Thank you for your consideration.
Lilly Noble
Co-Chair, Coalition for a Liveable Sudbury
Member, Greater Sudbury Drinking Water Source Protection Committee