Bill 66 threatens to remove…

Bill 66 threatens to remove essential checks and balances in a number of areas. It threatens to relax provisions that protect the Greenbelt, a vital resource for the wellbeing of people and wildlife, that provides needed farmland and employment in the agricultural sector. Any encroachment on the Greenbelt would be short-sighted and extremely damaging in the long run. There is more than enough land available for development. Further ravaging of our natural resources that provide clean water, clean air, local food, habitat for a multitude of species and opportunities to experience nature would be immoral.

Bill 66 further threatens to remove opportunities for the people to voice their concerns regarding proposed developments that affect their neighbourhoods and quality of life. Developers do not always take into account the impact of proposed developments on the community and the individuals who live there. In addition, developers do not always adhere to local city policies and guidelines that have been developed with the best interests of the community and broader city planning in mind. It is essential that the people and city planners have effective avenues to review, comment and negotiate changes to proposals that can have negative and longstanding impacts on the quality of life in the neighbourhood.