I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my strong opposition to Bill 66 for a number of reasons. I might also add that the guile and haste with which it was introduced and then giving such a brief opportunity for submissions, is very objectionable. I oppose this overarching bill for several reasons, not the least of which how it will impact our environment in profound ways, specifically Schedule 5 and Schedule 10.
• It will threaten our drinking water
• It will threaten that which Ontario is renowned for - its pristine landscape including the wetlands, woodlands and habitat for species at risk
• The ‘open for business’ bylaws would circumvent protections for these important habitats and species set out in the Provincial Policy Statement which would no longer apply.
• It threatens farmland which would lead to more urban sprawl. Nobody wants to live, work or play in an ugly setting which could be determined by developers, but rather, a safe, planned community. We can’t rely on them to preserve not only our heritage but our children’s, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren’s heritage. Not only would the Provincial Policy Statement be overridden, but the Greenbelt Plan and the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan would also be overridden by this Bill. Once the decision has been made to develop a particular area, it’s permanent. There’s no going back.
• Transparency and public engagement would be compromised – even more so since the questionable decision of dismantling the Environmental Commission of Ontario. Contrary to current legal requirements, the by-laws could be passed without any prior public notice, behind closed doors, further undermining the sacred checks and balances of our political system.
• With the knowledge of how toxic chemicals have already compromised human health and the environment, i.e. mesothelioma and Grassy Narrows, it is completely untenable that this protective measure – the Toxics Reduction Act, would be repealed
• The sentiment of Bill 66 seeks to encourage development in areas hitherto protected for the purpose of increased business, jobs and financial gain into the community and yet the requirements that developers must fill is extremely vague as to be meaningless.
I am not a professional or expert in this field. Very few are. But you – policy makers and politicians – have been entrusted with the task of protecting that which is very dear and essential to us – our heritage, and living in a safe, beautiful environment. Think carefully and wisely before making a decision that will have a profound and permanent impact on our sacred, precious environment.