I am writing to you to…

I am writing to you to express my concerns with Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act 2022 and the proposed legislative and regulatory amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act. Heritage in Ontario needs more protection, not less. Indeed, preservation and promotion of local history and heritage is essential for economic development, tourism, and the health of viable communities in Ontario. The Ontario Historical Society (OHS) first became concerned about the protection and maintenance of pioneer cemeteries in Ontario early in the 20th century, when it became apparent that many of them had fallen into a dilapidated state. Under regulations of the current Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2002, the OHS must be given notice if a cemetery owner or operator intends to close (relocate) a cemetery. The OHS then has the right to make a submission to the registrar, on whether closure is in the public interest, and if the OHS disagrees with the registrar, we have the right to appeal to a tribunal. On June 2, 2011, in a meeting with Hon. John Gerretsen, the then-Minister of Consumer Services, the OHS officially presented the Government of Ontario with a database of unregistered or unlicensed cemeteries. The OHS receives no notification and holds no right of appeal with regard to unregistered historic cemeteries that owners seek to close and relocate for private interests.

I do not oppose the building of affordable homes for the people of Ontario. However, I believes those homes should not be built on the graves of our ancestors. To protect all cemeteries and burial sites, I am asking this government to vote, recommending that the Government of Ontario register/license all unregistered cemeteries in the Province of Ontario. Additionally, I ask this government to vote, recommending that the Government of Ontario designate all cemeteries in the Province of Ontario under the Ontario Heritage Act as properties of cultural heritage value in recognition of their sacred and historical significance to all the peoples of Ontario.
It is in the public interest that Ontario’s cemeteries be protected, preserved, and maintained in their original locations.