I oppose Bill 60 because it…

I oppose Bill 60 because it undermines the kind of practical, locally driven decision-making that conservatives have long supported. Municipalities understand their own streets and safety challenges better than Queen’s Park does, and Bill 60 restricts their ability to respond to local needs efficiently and effectively.

In Toronto where I live, roads are already at capacity. There are no changes that will make it feasible for everyone to get around in cars at all times. It's important to allow other transportation options like transit and cycling, when it makes sense.

Safe, well-designed streets aren’t a partisan issue. They’re about protecting families, reducing avoidable strain on emergency services, and keeping communities functioning smoothly. When roads are unsafe for pedestrians and cyclists, collisions increase, leading to higher public costs like healthcare and policing. Bill 60 risks increasing strain on provincial fiscal resources. When local governments aren’t allowed to use proven safety measures, the result is more collisions and more severe injuries. Ensuring that municipalities can take cost-effective steps to reduce these incidents is the more fiscally responsible path.

Bill 60 creates a one-size-fits-all framework that doesn’t reflect the realities of dense urban areas, where many people, including me, rely on walking or cycling to get around. While I sometimes drive, more often I bike, walk, and take transit. More vehicle lanes will only make the city more dangerous for me to move around. Strong local control and common-sense safety measures help ensure that cities in Ontario stay safe and economically vibrant.

For these reasons, I urge decision-makers to reconsider Bill 60 and support policies that respect local autonomy, reduce long-term public costs, and promote safe communities for everyone.