I understand that buried in…

I understand that buried in Bill 257, Supporting Broadband and Infrastructure Expansion Act, 2021, is a proposal to allow Minister's Zoning Orders (MZOs) to override legal and policy protections for farmland and natural heritage features and areas across Ontario. If the changes go forward, lands currently protected under the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) would become vulnerable to development at the whim of the Minister (Municipal Affairs and Housing), without public consultation or any opportunity for appeal.

I also understand that MZOs are a tool that the government is using with unprecedented frequency to fast-track development. Conservation and agricultural organizations are united in their opposition to this misuse of MZOs which sidestep community consultation and local planning processes. At risk are the many benefits provided by Ontario’s farmland and natural areas, including flood control, local food, water purification, carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, recreational opportunities and more.

Please do not pass Bill 257 as is and make amendments in order to restrict a Minister's ability to arbitrarily sidestep community consultation and local planning processes thus putting Ontario’s farmland and natural areas, including flood control, local food, water purification, carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and recreational opportunities in jeopardy and at risk.