Dear Minister Clark, On…

Dear Minister Clark,

On behalf of its membership, the Centretown Community Citizens Association (CCCA) of Ottawa opposes proposed Bill 66, Restoring Ontario’s Competitiveness Act, and urges that the Bill be withdrawn immediately.

Instead of trying to strike a balance, Bill 66 irresponsibly pits economic development against the health and safety of residents, the protection of the environment, and the sustainable planning of Ontario’s communities. The Bill will leave lasting negative impacts on the province and weaken Ontarians’ trust in government.

Of primary concern to CCCA members are:
• Sidestepping the safeguards of the Planning Act, the Official Plan, and the Provincial Policy Statement.
• Weakening of health, safety, and environmental protections, such as the Clean Water Act.
• Undermining core governance principles, such as:
• The elimination of the requirement for public consultation, especially with respect to large, impactful development proposals.
• The loss of the right of appeal to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal.
• The creation of selective regulatory measures creating uncertainty for prospective investors and all Ontarians.

Should Bill 66 pass, the CCCA will work with other local community associations to urge Ottawa’s City Council to vote against adopting “open for business” planning bylaws.

Regards,

Shawn Barber,
CCCA President