[All] Bill 108 Submissions

[Kevin Thomason]

As you are likely aware the provincial government has proposed a large number of very concerning changes to important legislation such as the Conservation Authorities Act, the Development Charges Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Environmental Assessment Act, the Local Planning Appeals Tribunal, the Ontario Heritage Act, and the Planning Act and crammed it all into the very inappropriately labelled "Bill 108, More Homes, More Choice Act."

Bill 108 as it is currently written will actually do very little to increase the supply of affordable housing in Ontario and instead stands to seriously impact and reduce protections that support the health and prosperity of our communities and natural areas throughout our province.  As usual the government has provided almost no time for response, little detailed information, and no public engagement on these changes that could have far reaching consequences.

Our local governments and environmental/community organizations have had very little time to review the changes and respond however, the Region of Waterloo, City of Kitchener, City of Waterloo, and Ontario Greenbelt Alliance have all provided feedback prior to the June 1st provincial feedback deadline.  Unbelievably, the provincial government is only taking three days to review all this feedback from hundreds of people, organizations, and municipalities before the scheduled vote on Bill 108 on June 4th which is absurd.

Attached below please find the excellent reports from the Region of Waterloo and the Ontario Greenbelt Alliance which both provide a good overview of the proposed changes and potential impacts, along with suggestions and better solutions.

If this approach and these actions of Doug Ford and his government makes you angry, I would also like to remind people of the upcoming June 8th meeting of environmental groups from across Ontario happening right here in Waterloo to plan a co-ordinated approach to the remaining three years of the Ford provincial government and ensure we are doing all that we can to limit devastating legislation like this Bill 108.  It would be great if you can attend to ensure your voice is heard and we have a strong local attendance.  Please be sure to register for the meeting at:

https://act.environmentaldefence.ca/page/42479/event/1

Somehow we will have to find the needed solutions and ensure the future survival of our communities, our province, and our planet in the years ahead.

Sincerely,
Kevin.






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Kevin Thomason
Vice Chair, Grand River Environmental Network

1115 Cedar Grove Road
Waterloo, Ontario Canada  N2J 3Z4

Phone: (519) 888-0519
Mobile Phone/WhatsApp: (519) 240-1648
Twitter: @kthomason
E-mail: kevinthomason at mac.com

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