I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my strong opposition to Bill 212. While I understand the government's intention to alleviate traffic congestion, this legislation will instead increase traffic congestion by adding more cars to the road while having adverse effects on environmental sustainability, public safety, and municipal autonomy.

The proposed Highway 413 Act within Bill 212 exempts the Highway 413 project from the Environmental Assessment Act, replacing it with an accelerated environmental impact assessment process. This exemption raises significant environmental concerns. The construction of Highway 413 will destroy irreplaceable farmland and ecosystems, and encroach upon the Greenbelt, undermining efforts to preserve Ontario's critical wetlands and causing more flooding.

Additionally, Bill 212 requires municipalities to obtain provincial approval before installing new bike lanes that would remove existing traffic lanes. This provision will hinder the development of cycling infrastructure, which is essential for promoting active transportation, ensuring the safety of cyclists, and reducing the number of cars congesting the city.

Finally, the legislation's requirement for provincial approval over municipal decisions regarding bike lanes represents a significant overreach into local governance.