I would like to provide a…

I would like to provide a number of points of concern I have regarding Bill 66:
-the omnibus approach the bill takes by lumping together amendments that affect a large number of acts and industries
-section 10, which threatens regional planning laws, and proper processes to ensure that developments are aligned with environmental and agricultural protections
-section 5 which indicates that the Toxic Reductions Act, 2009 will be retired in 2021 without any indication of the development of more robust policies to protect the environment and sensitive lands

I understand the desire to present a structured plan to make Ontario more competitive. It is a logical, business approach which probably stems from the need to support the Canadian economy.

But, this type of approach (lumping 12 schedules of changes affecting a variety of acts and industries in different ways) is dangerous.

My main concern is that this confuses citizens. It makes it especially hard to submit proper comment when there is so much to read through and analyze. I would need to write a thesis in order to properly comment on this Bill. I am submitting comment regarding a few concerns I have, but I do not have enough time to research and understand all of the sections in this act, so my comments will be focused on those issues I feel I have researched enough to understand. Given more time I would likely have more comment.
As a resident of Waterloo Region, section 10 is especially concerning. In Waterloo Region we have a Regional Official Plan that indicates where development is allowed to happen through 2031. The countryside line indicates the boundaries of development. It is my understanding that the amendments proposed under section 10 of bill 66 seek to expedited development approvals, and allow developers to be granted exemptions on these boundaries. I do not agree with these changes as this puts not just our agricultural lands at risk, but it also poses dangerous risk to our groundwater recharge areas. Waterloo Region relies on moraines for a large % of it’s drinking water.

Section 5 also stands out as alarming. Why would the Toxic Reductions Act be repealed, and the regulations under the act revoked? What will this act be replaced with to ensure that Ontario is doing it’s part to reduce toxins, and pollution?

We NEED our government to be making progressive changes that safeguard the environment and lower carbon emissions. The future of our children depend on it.