I oppose Bill 60, the…

I oppose Bill 60, the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, and want to highlight several concerns. The bill is moving through the legislature very quickly, without the level of committee review and public discussion that major policy changes should receive. Moving an omnibus bill of this scale at speed makes it harder for people to fully understand the implications and limits meaningful feedback.

A major issue is the provision that would prevent municipalities from reducing motor vehicle lanes to create new bike lanes. This limits evidence based local planning, since lane reallocation is often essential for improving safety, reducing collisions, and giving residents more transportation choices. Projects like Parkside Drive, Dupont Street, and the Danforth Avenue extension would no longer be possible under this approach.

The language in the bill is broad enough that it may also restrict bus priority lanes, patios and street cafes, school streets, and other improvements that rely on shifting road space from cars to people. This would reduce the ability of municipalities to design streets that reflect local needs and long term community goals.

Local governments are best positioned to plan their streets based on data, consultation, and day to day experience. Bill 60 would remove that flexibility and move too much authority to the provincial level.

While the intention to build faster is understandable, it should not come at the expense of safer streets, better mobility, or more vibrant neighbourhoods. I oppose the bill as written and encourage the government to reconsider the sections that restrict lane reallocation so municipalities can continue shaping streets that work for their communities.

Thank you for your consideration.