I live in Halton Region. I…

I live in Halton Region. I am against Bill 23. I have read a range of views on this subject and I believe this proposal will lead to long-term damage to our environment, our climate, our democratic society and our economy, leading to a poorer quality of life for us all. There is no benefit for Ontario and Ontarians in Bill 23. Here are just a few of the reasons why I believe this Bill should not go forward.

Financial burden: This proposed policy shifts the costs of growth from developers, who reap the financial rewards, onto the backs of the local taxpayers. Municipalities develop 20-25 year growth plans for housing in already serviced areas. I believe growth should pay for growth and development charges are a fair way to build what is needed, where it is needed. Removing development charges will hurt the municipal taxpayer who will be on the hook for infrastructure costs. Evidence compiled by several Ontario municipalities demonstrates that we do not need to chew out pieces of the Greenbelt for more million dollar houses. There is available undeveloped land throughout the Greater Golden Horseshoe without going into the Greenbelt. We need our government to provide reasonable and affordable housing options, and work with municipalities to increase density throughout the province as per current Places to Grow planning legislation.

Lack of local oversight: Our planning powers in Halton region, along with other regional municipalities, will be removed under Bill 23. This is not just undemocratic but shortsighted. It will replace a successful coordinated approach with piecemeal actions across the Greater Golden Horseshoe. A flawed approach for one of the most important economies in North America.

Bill 23 weakens our democracy. It removes our rights to appeal planning decisions and gives the Minister power to over-ride municipal planning decisions. Our municipality, and community groups, would no longer be able to participate in or challenge development decisions that directly affect them. Local grassroots involvement is the foundation of our democracy. It must be encouraged and strengthened, not starved.

Less environmental protection: The responsibilities of Ontario's Conservation Authorities (CAs) will be weakened. The proposed changes will reduce our ability as a province to adapt and respond to the affects of climate change, just at a time when we need to be better prepared, not less. Bill 23 will remove the power of CAs to regulate or prohibit development that damages wetlands, rivers or streams. Flood or erosion control measures will no longer be required for developments. In addition, CAs will be prohibited from providing their expertise and advice to municipalities on decisions that could affect environmental and natural heritage matters.

Other changes this government proposes that remove protections for our environmentally sensitive and significant wetlands, farmlands and wildlife habitat are also a grave concern.

Ontario's Greenbelt is a rich environment that supports plants, animals, woodlands and farms. It is a world-renowned asset. Its contiguous nature means we can't just replace bits of it with other bits. To dig it up and bulldoze our valuable heritage with unnecessary highways and unfettered housing development will make us all poorer. As a tax-payer, I will have to shoulder rising costs for this shortsighted policy; through increased Municipal taxes, poorer air quality and reduced farmland. We need the Greenbelt protected for good. There is no second chance to protect our land, our water and air. Once it is paved over, it will be gone and we will have lost. We need the government to take a sober second look at this ill-conceived policy. We were promised a protected Greenbelt, that is what we, as citizens of this province want. It is what we deserve.