I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my concerns regarding the recent legislative amendment that mandates Ministry approval for bicycle lane designs in specific municipal situations, as outlined in Bill 212. This requirement, I believe, represents a significant overreach into matters that should rightly fall within municipal jurisdiction, potentially undermining local autonomy and responsiveness to community-specific needs.

The decision to implement or adjust bicycle lanes within a municipality is best guided by local officials who understand their unique infrastructure, traffic flow, and urban planning strategies. Requiring provincial oversight adds an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy, resulting in more red tape, additional delays, and increased costs that ultimately burden taxpayers. Municipalities already face a rigorous planning process when considering changes to roadways and should retain the authority to manage their infrastructure without interference from provincial mandates.