Bill 23 doesn't help address…

Bill 23 doesn't help address the housing crisis and affordability as it has been explained by all actors in various sectors, including the Ontario Housing Affordability Taskforce. No land in the greenbelt is needed for that and housing is needed in cities, not the countryside.

Protecting the Greenbelt is key to address climate change and protect Ontarians from its impacts. It limits flooding, regulates water and air pollution, host biodiversity. It is also where our best farmland is located and with food insecurity rising, we have to protect it.

The lack of engagement with all stakeholders (municipalities, local group, First Nations) is distressing and the fact that the bill cuts the power of municipalities and conservation areas to decide on development and conservation is concerning and anti-democratic.

The lack of transparency regarding how land was selected for housing and the apparent correlation with land owned by developers is another reason for concern. This combined with the curtailing of development fees, which will impact taxpayers at a time of inflation raises a lot of questions and concerns.

Repeal bill 23 and work with all actors to come up with solutions that will actually help solve the housing crisis, protect our wetlands and protected areas, preserve taxpayers money, provide AFFORDABLE housing and prepare Ontario to face the impacts of climate change.