This Bill is problematic for…

This Bill is problematic for a number of reasons:

1. Jurisdictional Overreach and Duplication

This legislation, if enacted would place restrictions on municipalities that would make it more challenging for them to plan infrastructure effectively. It is a blunt rule that lacks the nuance and flexibility often needed for effective transportation/ urban planning. In Ontario, planning decisions are delegated to the municipal level because they usually are better positioned than the province to make decisions based on local knowledge. The province is overreaching it's mandate, which for transportation, has primarily been provincial highways. This Bill, along with many other pieces of legislation put in place by this government, sets a dangerous precedence, by interfering with municipal decision-making. The provincial government should consider, what would happen if future governments impose their will on municipalities (e.g., force them to put in bike lanes). Finally, this duplication of decision-making between the levels of government, is inconsistent with the mandate that this government has constantly touted - I.e., reducing burden/ unnecessary or duplicative rules.

2. Lack of Evidence Regarding Impact on Congestion

It has been well-documented that providing more lanes for car traffic, does not in fact ease congestion. More lanes changes travel behaviour leading to more cars on the road and similar if not worse levels of congestion and increased air pollution and carbon emissions. Alternative forms of transportation are needed for urban areas experiencing congestion like cycling infrastructure or public transit - this will truly pull cars off the road and reduce congestion. Separated bike lanes also improve the driving experience for motorists - as a motorist, I prefer to have cyclists in a separated lane so that I can pass without worrying about colliding with them. The government should provide evidence for its decision-making.