Bill 212’s framing of bike…

Bill 212’s framing of bike lanes as a cause of traffic congestion is misleading and appears to be an attempt to sow division rather than address the real causes of gridlock. Studies consistently show that bike lanes do not significantly contribute to traffic but instead provide alternative, sustainable transportation options that can reduce car dependence and, over time, lessen traffic congestion.

The bill’s push to exempt Highway 413-related projects from the Environmental Assessment Act (EAA) is far more alarming. This exemption bypasses crucial environmental reviews meant to protect Ontario’s natural landscapes, water quality, and biodiversity. Disregarding these assessments for Highway 413 opens the door to severe ecological harm, threatening wetlands, farmland, and wildlife habitats without considering the long-term consequences. This tactic seems aimed at fast-tracking development while shifting attention away from meaningful environmental and community concerns, risking both Ontario's ecosystems and the health of its communities.