I must voice a strong…

I must voice a strong displeasure with the current regulation being proposed as a part of Bill-66. The 'Open-for-Business' changes to current Planning Act would do little to increase the prosperity of the people of this province. Allowing developers and municipalities to bypass planning structures that have been crafted over decades, themselves the results of public outcry at mismanaged and uncompromising development, would be an absolute injustice to Ontarians. The speed at which a developer can put shovels in the ground makes little difference to average person. A higher quality of life does. The current measures in place within the planning act, ensure public opinion and lifestyle are taken into consideration within the local context, and attempt to maintain enjoyable and welcoming places to live and work. In essence, they strive to balance development with quality of life within communities. Bypassing said measures under the guise of the betterment of life for Ontarians is a dismal sham. Opportunities do currently exist for economic development. Providing spaces to passionate, professional, and driven people in creative and serious communities (not bedroom ones) will draw more investment than the short-sighted sacrifice of our common land, voice, and communities. Have Ontario lead the way for economic development by showing it doesn't have to be the same old cycle, instead of playing catch-up 20 years from now when some other province, state or country does it for us.

Thank you.