Bill 23 should not be passed…

Bill 23 should not be passed. While I agree with the preamble, that is that we need more housing, the measures being taken are not necessary for that to happen. We must protect our green space, especially the green belt, and build housing first along existing public transit corridors. Intensification especially along Yonge street, with medium rise family friendly buildings in walking distance of schools, public transit and basic necessities must be pursued first. Next the land already zoned and owned for development that has not yet been developed should be.
We need a focus on affordable, 2 to 3 bedroom housing units. Developers prefer greenfield development and large homes as they can make more money and it is easier to build. However, the government should be concerned with what the common person needs - not what developers and the wealthy want.
New highways and developments will eat into our greenspace. Once paved over, this land is forever lost for farms and natural green space with all the benefits that confers on our province. The cost of GHG emission increases and biodiversity loss is huge and must be kept in mind - not only for the environment but for our health as well.
Lastly, municipalities and cities need to have control over how they develop and focus on the most environmentally friendly ways to grow housing. The development fees they receive help provide quality services and parks.
This Bill is possibly the worst piece of legislation for the environment and the people of Ontario in quite some time. It should not be passed.