This bill represents a…

This bill represents a significant step backward in our efforts to invest in public transit and to build cities that prioritize sustainable and inclusive transportation options over car-centric infrastructure.

While the Government of Ontario recognizes the need to build priority highways faster to alleviate gridlock and improve the movement of people and goods, this approach is shortsighted. Investing heavily in highway expansion projects like Highway 413, the Bradford Bypass, and the Garden City Skyway perpetuates our reliance on automobiles and ignores the proven benefits of enhancing public transit systems.

The proposal to override most municipal by-laws that might prevent or restrict the delivery of goods or services to priority highway projects is particularly concerning. This move undermines local governance and disregards community-specific needs and environmental considerations. Moreover, granting the Minister of Transportation new powers to accelerate utility relocations and property access infringes on the rights of property owners and sets a troubling precedent.

The emphasis on speeding up broadband projects is commendable; however, it should not come at the expense of sustainable urban planning. Building more highways will only lead to increased traffic congestion in the long term, as induced demand encourages more people to drive. This contradicts the goal of reducing gridlock and improving the quality of life for Ontarians.

Furthermore, the proposed legislation includes creating offence and penalty provisions for individuals and corporations that obstruct MTO officials. This heavy-handed approach discourages public participation and undermines democratic processes that allow citizens to voice their concerns about significant infrastructure projects affecting their communities.

One of the most alarming aspects of Bill 212 is the potential impact on cycling infrastructure. The removal of bike lanes makes no sense from a safety, environmental, or public health perspective. Bike lanes are essential for providing safe, alternative modes of transportation, reducing traffic congestion, and promoting healthier lifestyles. Eliminating them will discourage cycling, which will then force bikers to use car more and increase traffic, and make our roads more dangerous for everyone.

While the government claims to be committed to balancing environmental protection with infrastructure development, the proposed measures fall short of this commitment. The bill suggests that construction activities will be undertaken to minimize noise levels and reduce community impacts, yet overriding local by-laws and fast-tracking projects without thorough environmental assessments contradicts this assurance.

In conclusion, Bill 212 focuses excessively on expanding highway infrastructure at the expense of sustainable transportation alternatives like public transit and cycling. This approach is outdated and does not align with global best practices for building resilient, livable cities. I urge the government to reconsider this bill and instead invest in enhancing public transit systems, expanding cycling infrastructure, and fostering communities that are less dependent on cars.