Please reject the proposed…

Please reject the proposed changes to the Planning Act for the Open for Business Zoning By-Law

I'm a farmer. I'm a parent. I have a Science degree. I was involved in our family business that included manufacturing parts for the automotive industry. I think I can see this issue from different perspectives. I read Rod Phillips Minister Message and Preserving and Protecting Our Environment for Future Generations Made in Ontario Environmental Plan.
-"waterways are under increasing pressure as urban development expands"
-"pollution in our air and water increases healthcare costs"
-"The climate is changing....Forests, waters and wildlife across the province are and will continue to be impacted by these changes"
-:The natural spaces across Ontario such as forests, wetlands and parks purify our air and water, protect biodiversity and natural heritage"
-"We know that climate change poses a serious threat to Ontario's natural areas and that conservation of these areas play an important role in mitigating and adapting to climate change.We will protect and enhance our natural areas, support conservation efforts, continue to conserve species at risk, develop adaption strategies and promote the importance of healthy natural spaces for future generations."
Allowing development with no regard to official plans and zoning, and not having to meet provincial planning and environmental policies and with no appeal process is extremely wrong, short sighted and contradicts your Environmental Plan as well as your commitment for Trust and Transparency.
We are facing a global emergency with climate change and biodiversity loss. But this government wants to pave over farms and natural areas for corporations and profit. We are in trouble because of growth and profit trumping over the environment time and time again.
Agricultural land is a finite resource. Once it is paved over, it is gone forever. According to Ontario Farmland Trust, we lose 175 acres per day in Ontario and we have lost 20% of our farmland between 1976 and 2016. With climate change we need more farmland not less. Extreme weather reduces production and not only do we need to feed a growing population we need land to grow biofuels as we move away from fossil fuels. Food security and local food is also vital with climate change. The Agri-food sector contributes 39 billion to Ontario GDP and employs more than 820,000 Ontarions (1)
Putting non farm development into agricultural areas is wrong and is poor planning. It is deplorable that the local people particularly farmers will not be allowed to provide input. Development in agricultural areas limit farm expansion (MDS requirements and negatively affecting farmer's decisions to invest). OMAFRA has documents on problems between farmers and conflicting land uses ie odour, noise, traffic, development pressures etc. We have experienced some of these issues as well. Many farms provide wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration, assist with flooding (water infiltration). Paving over farms and fragmenting farm areas must not continue.
There are many wonderful environmental and planning policies already in place yet this Bill wants to override these. Smart growth is just that. Keeping development close to town reduces greenhouse gases and keeps farming areas providing food and fibre and many environmental benefits. I suggest if you want Trust and Transparency, corporations should follow the environmental and planning policies we all do and do so with the public involved and not behind closed doors. Besides, most municipalities I believe have enough employment lands already mapped out in their Official Plans.
Scientists have been warning us for decades about climate change and biodiversity loss. Governments have let us down by not taking these warnings seriously and early enough. People need to wake up to the realities of climate change. I might die of old age before things get too extreme with climate change but my kids won't. What legacy do you want to leave your daughters and grandchildren Premier Ford? Please do not change the Planning Act to include this Zoning By- Law Thank you.
Reference
(1) Ontario Federation of Agriculture 2018. Agriculture Matters. A Guide to Municipal Councillors and Staff