I am not against development…

I am not against development, especially affordable housing, but to address the threats caused by the climate crisis and biodiversity loss and to protect Ontario's critical agricultural land, the focus of legislation should be on limiting sprawl, encouraging development within urban boundaries, and creating complete healthy communities on already serviced land that can be served by public transit.

I am deeply concerned that Conservation Authority lands will be opened for sale to the development industry, that wetlands can be drained and built upon, that municipalities are prevented from entering into agreements with conservation authorities to review planning applications on their behalf, that 'conservation of lands' and 'pollution' will be removed as considerations in permit decisions, and much more.

Conservation Authorities have played a crucial role in protecting against losses caused by flooding, erosion and other natural hazards that are bound to increase as the climate changes. Now, more than ever, it's important the planning takes a watershed approach. This includes protecting conservation areas in terms of human recreation and biodiversity protection.

Bill 23 has not been given the time needed for detailed analysis and informed discussion, and has been stripped of sufficient time for public consultation.

I care deeply about regional planning. I also want to protect all the innovative measures the Region of Waterloo has implemented over the years such as the Countryside Line, measures to protect Environmentally Sensitive Landscapes and our groundwater supply, ION rapid transit, planning which has focused on urban intensification and saved our valuable farmland.
I don't want a heritage act that protects only mansions built by rich people. I care about environmental protection and the Greenbelt. This must be a priority!