I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the proposed changes under the Planning Act and the City of Toronto Act, 2006, which aim to remove critical environmental assessments, such as sun/shadow, wind, urban design, and lighting studies, from the pre-approval building process.

As the Principal of a middle and high school in Toronto, I not only witness the challenges students face in understanding the balance between development and environmental preservation, but I am also committed to educating the next generation on the importance of sustainable practices. The proposed regulatory changes, which seek to expedite building approvals by removing these essential environmental studies, send a troubling message to our students: that environmental considerations are secondary to the financial interests of developers, and that long-term environmental health is dispensable for short-term economic gain.

This decision undermines the very principles we are trying to instill in our students. Every day, they fight for the health of our planet and advocate for action on climate change. These students have shown remarkable passion and resilience in standing up for the environment, only to see that large-scale development interests can bypass these very efforts with the stroke of a pen. It sends a clear message that the voices of our youth and the environmental protections they value pale in comparison to the complaints of developers about project timelines and costs.

These assessments are not an obstacle; they are necessary tools that ensure responsible, sustainable development. Sun/shadow studies, for example, prevent buildings from casting unintended shadows on parks or residential areas, while wind studies help mitigate dangerous wind tunnels in urban environments. Urban design studies ensure that new buildings contribute positively to the community and blend with the local character, and lighting studies minimize light pollution, an issue that negatively impacts both human health and wildlife. Removing these crucial assessments is not just an oversight; it is a disservice to our communities and to future generations.

I strongly urge you to reconsider this proposal. The simplicity of the building process should not come at the expense of the long-term health of our cities and the environment. Sustainable, thoughtful development requires careful planning, and these studies play a vital role in ensuring that future buildings are not just faster to construct but are also safe, healthy, and aligned with the values of the communities they serve.

Our students deserve to see their efforts for a healthier planet reflected in the policies and actions of our government. They deserve to know that their voices matter, and that their passion for the environment is not in vain. We have a responsibility to lead by example, and that means upholding environmental regulations that safeguard our planet and our communities.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust you will take into consideration the long-term impact of this proposal on our environment, our students, and the integrity of our communities.

Sincerely,
Concerned Toronto School Principal