As a Licensed Professional…

As a Licensed Professional Engineer in the Province of Ontario working exclusively in the construction market, the removal of these studies will result in uncomfortable, inefficient, and chiefly: unsafe developments.

The proposed regulation to eliminate pertinent technical studies (Sun/Shadow, Wind, Urban Design, and Lighting) is a short-sighted and unsafe practice that is not based in any practical or logical reason and is merely a faux effort presented by the Province of Ontario to appear to be making an effort to expedite construction projects. This removal has been framed to the public as an effort to expedite homes, transit, road, and water/wastewater projects when the majority of these projects do not in actuality require these studies. These studies typically pertain to large, multi-storey construction projects where the study cost and schedule impacts are inconsequential relative to the projects' own costs and schedule. In contrast, their value to the safety and community of Ontarians and the environment is extraordinary.

The removal of Sun/Shadow studies will have dramatic impacts to tenants and their quality of life and comfort in their spaces. Further, it will negatively impact the value of the real estate asset as their desirability will decrease due to needlessly diminished quality of living. In addition, this has significant detrimental impact to our lived environment, children at play, pedestrians traveling, vehicular traffic, animal and plant life, are all affected negatively when these studies are not actioned. It's worth highlighting the dangers to individuals when the effects of the environment are not studied.

The removal of Wind studies is of particular danger to the general population. These studies are in place to ensure that our micro-climate environments do not pose a threat to pedestrians. A lack of studies will result in dangerous winds at the ground level and terrace / rooftop areas. High winds can lead to dangerously swinging doors, a risk of knocking over pedestrians, and potential falling hazards where winds affect pedestrians at high levels. Further, this poses unnecessary risks to those with mobility limitations making their ability to navigate our cities more difficult.

The removal of Urban Design requirements will be detrimental to the quality and aesthetics of our buildings and cities. These requirements are in place to ensure congruent, environmentally conscious, and aesthetic developments are completed. Devaluing our developments leading to uglier cities is of no value to the Province of Ontario, especially as the leading Province in a desirable first world country.

The removal of Lighting studies is yet again an example of an unsafe and unethical decision by the Province. The quality and safety of our lighting (an ever-increasing presence at that), is key to ensure human and environmental safety. These studies are completed to ensure pedestrian and vehicle traffic are safely maintained, but also to ensure that neighbours and wildlife are not negatively impacted by new developments. Dark Sky compliance, roadway lighting standards, and light trespass are all significant factors in our lived world and need not be sacrificed.

Summarily, the removal of the requirement to action these low-cost and short time requirement studies is demonstrably unsafe and damaging to people, properties, and the Province of Ontario. The Province is merely attempting to appear as though they are actioning items to expedite construction. These studies do not impact the large scale projects they are required for from a capital cost or schedule perspective, and are essential in maintaining safe, desirable communities. The Province of Ontario needs to apply critical thinking to ensure safe and reasonable solutions are put forth, in lieu of this short-sighted attempt to deceive the public into believing that these studies are anything but beneficial.