Subject: Concern regarding…

Subject: Concern regarding the removal of shadow study requirements under Bill 17 – ERO #025-0462

To whom it may concern,

My name is Anna, and I am a resident of Toronto. I am writing to express serious concern about the proposed regulation under Bill 17 that would prohibit municipalities from requiring sun/shadow studies as part of planning applications.

Toronto is a dense and growing city. With the rapid pace of new development—particularly high-rise construction—it is essential that we continue to evaluate how new buildings will impact surrounding areas. Sunlight is a critical part of livable urban environments. It affects not only comfort and health, but also safety and the quality of our shared public spaces.

One example I experienced is the entrance to Dufferin TTC Station on Bloor Street. The surrounding new buildings (still under construction) cast deep shadows over the sidewalk and station entrance, making the space feel dark and unsafe throughout much of the day, even during noon on a fully sunny day (as it was on June 26th, Monday, noon). Situations like this illustrate why shadow studies are so important. They help ensure that new developments enhance the public realm rather than diminish it.

I am deeply concerned that under Bill 17, municipalities like Toronto would lose the ability to request these assessments—even when the impacts are clearly relevant. Removing this tool undermines responsible planning and ignores the lived reality of people who use these spaces every day.

I respectfully urge the Province to reconsider this aspect of Bill 17 and to maintain the ability for municipalities to require shadow studies where warranted.

Sincerely,
Anna