I am a secondary school…

I am a secondary school student. I have great hopes for the amendments, the province wishes to implement. There are countless benefits of the amendments. Although, I fear that the changes to Golden Greater Horseshoe Growth Plan that would see lower density targets in many areas might be regressive.

1.1 is amended by deleting “low-density urban sprawl” and replacing it with “unmanaged growth. The proposed Growth Plan says that for consultation continued to direct that the majority of growth should go to areas that are already built up and to settlement areas that offer municipal water and wastewater systems while limiting growth in other settlement areas. Under Amendment 1, it clearly states municipalities may adjust settlement area boundaries outside of a municipal comprehensive review. I am concerned that this may lead to urban sprawl as well as congested streets. Ontario’s population only seems to grow more as each day passes. The local communities need more flexibility. I strongly believe that it is quite unethical to take their right away over how and where they grow their communities. Although there are numerous advantages to this Amendment, I am afraid that the disadvantages outweigh them. In 2017, the set density targets were of at least 80 people and jobs combined per hectare. The proposed amendments would drop that number to 60 people and jobs per hectare. The government also wants to support meagre transit service that would see buses running once every 20 or 30 minutes in lower density areas. Waiting for public transit for that long is completely outrageous. All residents would resort and rely heavily on their own personal vehicles which will result in congested streets and gridlock. That being said, people would also benefit from Amendment 1, with some major alterations, this amendment will be a great success!

I truly hope that you take what I said into consideration, it is a significantly important matter and the well being of our province depends on it. It is extremely vital to understand both the positives and the negatives of this amendment and not make hasty decisions.