Bill 212 (Reducing Gridlock,…

Bill 212 (Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024 - Building Highways Faster Act, 2024) poses significant risks to Ontario's environment and land. By fast-tracking highway construction, the bill prioritizes infrastructure expansion at the expense of natural ecosystems and agricultural land. The accelerated approval process could bypass critical environmental assessments, leading to potential harm to wildlife habitats, wetlands, and local biodiversity. Additionally, the expansion of highways often encourages urban sprawl, further encroaching on green spaces and reducing the province's ability to combat climate change. The bill's focus on road-building also undermines efforts to promote sustainable, transit-oriented development, instead reinforcing car dependency and increasing pollution levels. Ultimately, this approach risks damaging Ontario's environmental health for short-term transportation solutions.