November 15, 2022 Dear Sir…

November 15, 2022

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to urge you to recognize the proposals in the omnibus Bill 23 as a blow to the health and well being of our province, country and planet, and consequently the people who live here; the people you have been charged with representing and serving.

Bill 23 would allow for the sale of conservation lands, including endangered or threatened species habitats, wetlands and areas of natural and scientific importance. Conservation Authorities' power and reach need to be strengthened, not weakened! Natural areas need to be expanded and not diminished. We are facing perhaps the greatest existential threat known to the planet. Every one of us, especially those in positions of power and RESPONSIBILITY, need to be doing more to curb the damage that we have caused, most of which has been done in recent history. Leaving this world in a better state and working to preserve and expand our beautiful natural areas for our health and well being is not just a good idea, but should be considered an obligation.

Urban sprawl is yet one more contributor to the ever growing carbon emissions that threaten our planet. Regions (ie York and Durham Regions) need to be thoughtful and responsible in their planning in order to deliver affordable housing in an environmentally responsible way. Irresponsible urban growth needs to be addressed and scrutinized against the steps that regions and municipalities are taking to protect sensitive areas, to preserve farmland, and to promote proper densification that provides necessary amenities, transit and affordability, thus getting cars off the road. Urban design must follow new rules, with the environment taking the lead in decision making. Ontario has the opportunity to be on the world stage, and a leader in terms of responsible and affordable urban planning.

I am not against development and economic growth, but this needs to be thoughtful, responsible and within existing boundaries, protecting the environment and farmland and with the aim of curbing climate change in this era of human-made crisis. I believe we have the ingenuity and creativity to tackle this crisis but Bill 23 is short sighted and is not in the best interest of the citizens of this province; an obligation I would hope you would feel keenly. Please consider the following:

*Allow Conservation Authorities to continue to strongly protect, and even expand, our natural and sensitive areas and the amazing biodiversity that exists for the health of people and planet.
*Protect and preserve farmland.
*Allow municipalities to decide how to handle reserve funds (Remove schedule 3)
*Safeguard Toronto Rental Replacement Policy and maintain the current Toronto Green Standard Building Application.
*Clarify Schedule 7: the Ontario Land Tribunal Act, to address fairness and definition of terms.
*Deliver responsible and affordable densification rather than irresponsible and, for all but a few, unattainable urban sprawl.

As stated, the government has an amazing opportunity to be world leaders in sustainability, and smart and responsible urban planning, but Bill 23 takes us all in the wrong direction, and places Ontario on the wrong side of history in terms of addressing the challenges we face with the climate crisis, sensitive urban planning and affordable housing.

With Hope!