I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my grave concerns with sections of Bill 66, the open-for-business planning by-law. My particular concern is Schedule 10 and the addition of section 34.1 to the Planning Act. The fact that certain provisions of acts that would ordinarily apply will not apply to an open-for-business planning by-law is extremely frightening.

Allowing development to be unilaterally approved by a municipality without consideration for either environmental repercussions or impacts on nearby municipalities will not build healthy, productive and cooperative communities! This device approach will not lead to a constructive outcome.

Bill 66 removes many of the safeguards that ensure the long term health of the environment, and thus all citizens, ahead of corporate interest. It can place councillors under pressure of development proponents to approve projects without essential planning and environmental scrutiny.

The Bill weakens protections on safe drinking water, agricultural lands and democratic consultation. It will allow the Province to override local Official Plans that were developed locally for the local community. These changes are not a sign of good governance.

The inference of Bill 66 is that we must accept environmental degradation, loss of fertile farmland, and risk health related impacts in order to grow the economy. This belief as well as Section 10 must be rejected.

The health of citizens and environmental protection should be at the forefront of future economic development. A commitment to smart growth and purposeful public consultations are essential components of future development.

I strongly oppose Bill 66 in its current form and ask that it receive major revisions.