I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my strong opposition to Bill 60.

// The Proposal Fails to Serve the Intent (It Fails Ontario) //

The proposal reasons that the changes are “intended to keep people and goods moving by creating more capacity on roads for vehicles and drivers. Traffic and congestion are a major source of air pollution especially in urban areas.” However,

- Motor vehicles cause gridlock and air pollution; bicycles don’t.
- Biking moves more people in a given laneway than driving (research “passengers per hour”) and shifting transport from motor vehicles to bikes will reduce air pollution.
- Prohibiting municipalities from reducing motor vehicle lanes when installing new bicycle lanes does not “create more capacity” – this forces a do-nothing scenario

Installing bicycle lanes in place of vehicle lanes has the potential to create capacity and reduce air pollution especially in urban areas; however, the proposed changes threaten to prevent these solutions from being implemented. Withdraw Bill 60.

// Keep Local Decisions Local //

Bill 60 is an overreach of power that will lead to inefficient use of government resources and create red tape.

- Municipalities currently oversee the maintenance of local roads. If there is damage to local roadways due to wear and tear from motor vehicle use, will the province be responsible for cost?
- The provincial transportation network is already (unnecessarily) planning to expand its highway systems – how does the government plan to maintain its existing (and future) infrastructure, while simultaneously taking on the responsibility of maintaining local roadways?
- If municipalities cannot reduce motor vehicle lanes when installing new bike lanes, can they remove motor vehicle lanes for Transit?

Pedestrianized streets? Local events such as marathons or parades?
Municipalities oversee the maintenance of local roads and study the local traffic conditions – it is in Ontarians best interest to keep the decisions of local road use to the local authorities. If Bill 60 passes, it will only set a precedence to take away power from municipalities (and the residents). Withdraw Bill 60.

// Withdraw Bill 60 //

The “Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025” aims to reduce gridlock and enhance community safety.

Transportation/Environmental experts will agree that the proposed amendment will only increase gridlock and endanger our communities. Not just experts, but enthusiasts. Frankly, anyone with the ability to think logically. The facts have been said before, but I am only repeating what others have stated for the record.

I am embarrassed and ashamed that our Ministry of Transportation and the Environmental Policy Office submitted this as a proposal. If we can’t trust the government to work in our best interest on such a simple matter, how can we trust them to make any other decision.

Withdraw Bill 60.