Thank you for this…

Thank you for this opportunity to respond to Bill 23 implementation.  I will address several aspects of the bill.1.  By far the most far-reaching and dangerous aspect is the restriction of Conservation Authorities.  Their knowledge and stewardship go far beyond any ministerial overview of proposed development lands, as well as having the overarching responsibility to address flooding.  I am particularly alarmed by the enabling of access to wetland properties.  Beside the biodiversity of wetlands, which is unmatched by any other area, they are critical in flood control, acting as sponges in flood water surges.  "Off-setting" or creating another matching wetland, is impossible. You cannot recreate a wetland that was thousands of years in the making.  Repeal schedule 2, it is extremely unwise as we face a climate crisis rife with severe storms.

2.  The affordable housing and housing development aspects of Bill 23 are cynical in the extreme.  There are areas within all municipalities and cities that will provide more than enough housing. What is needed is support to create those housing opportunities, certainly NOT to expand urban sprawl into more subdivisions around cities and towns. They are not affordable to the people who need to live and work in our communities, they take up valuable habitat and farmland, and they necessitate more car travel, which adds to greenhouse gases.

3. It is inconceivable that development charges to the municipalities are to be reduced and/or eliminated.  When new housing is created, infrastructure is required.  There must be charges assigned to development companies which will go to the municipalities for the purpose of support services.  Municipalities are already seriously stretched trying to cope with downloading.  To handle necessary infrastructure costs for sprawl development (which should not be there n the first place) isl beyond reasonable. Nor should municipalities be forced to spend 60% of reserve funds yearly.  These funds are often accrued for affordable housing. Repeal Schedule 3

4. In keeping with the climate challenges we face, it is most unwise to negate the regional planning efforts that have been carefully developed to ensure that development centralizes public transportation to diminish greenhouse gases and safeguards environmentally significant habitat, agricultural, and/or recreational land.  Repeal Schedule 9

5. Overall, wherever I turn, I hear:  The bill was indeed an omnibus bill, far too complex and multifaceted.  In tandem with its complexity, the time to review it and comment was much to short.  As well, Municipal Councils were just elected, and certainly did not have time to address this bill, which had so very much of importance for municipalities.  There is anger and frustration at the cynicism with which Ontarians were treated- not just today's citizens, but the contempt shown for the Ontario of the future, economically and environmentally.  In hard cold reality, this bill should be repealed. It is deeply and absolutely flawed.