Bill 23 removes Conservation…

Bill 23 removes Conservation Authorities ability to refuse development projects and permits based on pollution and conservation of the land. It transfers many of the regulatory responsibilities to municipalities, who lack the expertise to determine how construction on wetlands will impact species at risk wildlife habitat.

Changes to the Planning Act will increase low-density urban developments into wetlands, forests, farmland, and rural areas, where Ontario’s most sensitive ecoregions exist. Bill 23 removes community engagement from the development and decision-making process.

Under the City of Toronto Act, 2006, Rental Replacement Policy, any restoration and redevelopment done on a tenant’s apartment, guarantees that they will still have a home post construction. Bill 23 revokes this guarantee and will displace many citizens in Ontario and increase rental fees.

The creation of Toronto’s Green Standard was to ensure that any new private or city owned public developments were to focus on energy efficiency and a sustainable design. By removing this requirement, Toronto will not be able to meet their building target emissions nor influence standards across Ontario municipalities.

We urge the government of Ontario to explore other options to meet housing demands that will not sacrifice the environment, particularly when municipalities are facing the growing impacts of climate change.

Municipalities must maintain their capability to enter into agreements with Conservation Authorities to seek their advice and expertise. Collaboration with Conservation Authorities will help regulate development and mitigate negative environmental impacts. A watershed management approach is recommended because it enables Conservation Authorities to review changes to natural heritage. The government should prioritize Provincially Significant Wetlands (PSWs) being exempt from development.

We ask the government to follow the recommendations made by their own Ontario Affordable Housing Task Force, which noted that there is 88,000 acres across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) that are already designated for development with appropriate infrastructure in place.

We ask the government to maintain environmental regulations, such as the Toronto Green Standard, that works to lower emissions and mitigate climate change.