Bill 23 has many merits. I…

Bill 23 has many merits. I agree that there is a need for housing and intensification in some parts of the province. I agree that we should work to remove development charges for affordable and subsidized housing projects/units. I also agree that we can use our zoning bylaws to have more inclusion by allowing for increased density in areas zoned for single family dwellings.

I am concerned about the lack of consideration for the climate crisis. Our planet is becoming unlivable and the impact of this bill will increase the carbon emissions and climate adaptations available re. residential homes. I do not think we should build on the green belt as it will undermine the ecosystems that protect future generations by sequestering carbon, replenishing water supplies, preventing flooding and creating habitat for many species of plants an animals. This policy seems to be proposed to enable the landowners in this area to become more enriched. This is not a policy that is about housing for all.

I do not think the provincial government should be reducing so many of the development charges. This will make it hard for cities to pay the bills and build the infrastructure needed to support new housing projects.

Also, I do not agree that cities not be able to set sustainable development standards. This will mean that housing projects will further contribute to carbon emissions. Cities have few tools to reduce their carbon emissions and to meet their carbon reduction targets. By not allowing for expectations for reduced emissions from builders, our carbon footprint will continue to grow meaning our children and future generations will be suffering the consequences and saddled with cleaning up the mess of this decision.

Finally, the bill should not have been proposed at a time when councils are in limbo. This prevents a democratic response from cities and other stakeholders to be meaninful contributors. I request that this bill's adoption be delayed to accommodate a proper response. I hope the provincial government will roll back some of the changes that will negatively impact our climate.