I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my concerns regarding Bill 212 and its potential impacts on public health, safety, mobility, access to communities, environmental protection, and Ontario's ongoing climate emergency. While the stated objective of reducing gridlock is commendable, I believe that the proposed means to achieve this goal are misguided and counterproductive.

Municipal Oversight and Bike Lanes

I oppose the requirement for provincial approval before constructing new bike lanes where they replace a lane of traffic. This provision overreaches into municipal affairs, undermines local democracy, and disregards the extensive planning processes that always precede such projects. Municipalities have proven their capability to manage these matters effectively.

Moreover, it is an established fact that adding more car lanes does not reduce traffic congestion due to induced demand. Instead of focusing on this ineffective approach, I urge you to prioritize investments in comprehensive transit projects and cycling networks province-wide. Every cyclist on the road is one less car, freeing up space for those who must drive and promoting healthier lifestyles.

The proposed removal of three bike lanes in Toronto, with thousands of daily users each, will put thousands more cars back onto the roads, exacerbating gridlock and local businesses' struggles. Cycling has been proven to boost business activity in areas where bike lanes are implemented.

Environmental Concerns

I strongly oppose exempting 413 lands from environmental assessments. The proposed highway route includes environmentally sensitive land that will be permanently lost as a carbon sink, natural habitat, and floodplain once paved over. Expediting this project without proper assessment disregards environmental protection and ignores the reality of induced demand, which will increase greenhouse gas emissions upon completion.

Lack of Expert Consultation

I question whether any planners, environmentalists, engineers, or other credentialed experts were consulted during the creation of Bill 212. Their insights could have provided valuable perspectives and helped avoid these potential pitfalls.

Conclusion

Bill 212, in its current form, will not achieve its intended goal of reducing gridlock. Instead, it threatens to worsen traffic congestion, compromise public safety, harm local economies, destroy the environment, and negatively impact Ontarians' health outcomes. I urge you to reconsider this legislation and focus on genuine solutions such as investing in transit infrastructure and promoting alternative mobility options like cycling.