I am very concerned at what…

I am very concerned at what is proposed in Bill 66 and recommend that it is repealed.

Ontario's green spaces need more protection, not less. This bill threatens wetlands, woodlands and habitat for species at risk across Ontario. Open-for-business by-laws would circumvent protections for these important habitats and species set out in the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) under the Planning Act. It also threatens farmland across Ontario. Open-for-business by-laws would bypass
agricultural protections set out, for example, in the PPS. This could lead to more urban sprawl.

I am particularly concerned at the threat is it poses to human and wildlife health through increased exposure to toxic chemicals. Bill 66 proposes to repeal the Toxics Reduction Act, which requires certain
industrial facilities to consider ways to reduce the use and emission of toxic chemicals in
their operations.

Bill 66 would turn back the clock on many years of good planning, community input and strong leadership from governments of all political stripes. It would sidestep laws and policies intended to protect the long-term health and resilience of our communities and would facilitate sprawling and unchecked development, threatening sensitive natural features and water resources upon which we all rely.

The City of Niagara Falls recently experienced an assault on an area that is ecologically sensitive at Thundering Waters Forest. This is just one example of what can happen when indiscriminate developers take advantage of an area. We need resolve to protect our green spaces and then have clear legislation so that areas like these are protected. Bill 66 will not do this for Ontario.