The stated goal of this Act…

The stated goal of this Act is to reduce “gridlock,” yet it employs measures that compromise public health, mobility, environmental protection, and safety. In fact, this Act threatens Ontario's communities by intensifying the ongoing climate crisis and undercutting local autonomy.

This mandate requiring provincial approval for bike lane construction where they "replace a lane of traffic" —despite municipalities already having this authority under the Municipal Act—is a blatant overreach. It reveals a lack of trust in local governments to govern effectively and an apparent disregard for local democracy. Municipalities only construct bike lanes after rigorous planning, research, and public consultation, demonstrating their commitment to safe, accessible roads. This provincial interference undermines these democratic processes, suggesting a government intent on control rather than partnership.

It is also a fact that adding car lanes does not reduce traffic congestion. Decades of research on "induced demand" show that more car lanes lead to more traffic. If reducing gridlock were truly the goal, the government would prioritize major transit infrastructure and expand cycling networks, offering genuine relief from congestion and pollution. Every bike on the road replaces a car, taking up far less space and making driving easier for those who need it.

The proposed removal of existing bike lanes in Toronto—which serve thousands of users daily—will put more cars back on the road and hurt local businesses that thrive in bike-friendly areas. Business Improvement Associations (BIAs) and city studies on Toronto’s Bloor Street have demonstrated that bike lanes increase business by making local areas more accessible and inviting.

Cycling is also a healthier, more sustainable option, reducing healthcare costs and making streets safer for everyone—drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. Tragically, Toronto has already lost six cyclists this year, each one an unnecessary loss, leaving families shattered. Bike lanes can save lives.

Moreover, bike lanes make cities more accessible for people who cannot afford cars, insurance, gas, or parking fees, allowing them to contribute to and participate in their communities. Car-dominated cities exclude lower-income residents from essential activities and isolate them from opportunities.

The proposal to exempt lands for Highway 413 from environmental assessments is equally damaging. This highway would pave over sensitive land, destroying natural carbon sinks, flood plains, and wildlife habitats permanently. Exempting this development from environmental scrutiny reveals a lack of commitment to environmental protection, despite the fact that, as with other road expansions, induced demand will ultimately create more traffic, emissions, and congestion.

The evidence is clear: if the government were serious about addressing gridlock, it would invest in robust public transit and support municipal initiatives for sustainable transport. This Act moves in the opposite direction.

Bill 212 is a regressive policy that will worsen traffic, harm local economies, degrade public health, and inflict irreversible damage on our environment. For Ontario’s future, this bill should be halted.