[All] Bill 23, Greenbelt, and Regional Planning Destruction Holiday Update

Fri Dec 30 12:59:25 EST 2022

Thanks for this excellent update!

Onward!
Henriette

On Thu, Dec 29, 2022 at 12:34 PM Kevin Thomason <kevinthomason at mac.com>
wrote:

> Good Day,
>
> We hope that your holidays are going well.  It continues to be a busy time
> with lots happening locally and across the province:
>
> *1) Official Plan ERO Comment Deadlines *- the absolute most important
> thing that we need to be doing over the holidays is to ensure as many
> positive comments are received by the Environmental Registry of Ontario
> (ERO) on the bold and visionary Region of Waterloo Official Plan as well as
> other area plans such as the Wellington County Official Plan that is also
> up for review.  We only have until 11:59pm on January 4th to urge the
> province to approve these plans as approved by local municipalities and
> without any changes by the Minister such as the massive amounts of sprawl
> Minister Clark has forced in Halton and Hamilton’s Official Plans:
>
> Region of Waterloo - https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-5952
> County of Wellington - https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-5635
>
> It’s an easy process to submit comments and please encourage others to
> submit comments as well.  This is could be a situation where the quantity
> of submissions could be very important so let's do all that we can to
> ensure hundreds or thousands of comments.
>
>
> *2) Other ERO Deadlines *- there are several other ERO deadlines even
> sooner (December 30th at 11:59pm) that you may wish to speak up about as
> well:
>
>
> “Conserving Ontario’s Natural Heritage” – Proposed approach to offsetting
> development pressures on natural wildlife habitat (consultation closes Dec.
> 30) <https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-6161> -
> https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-6161
> Proposed updates to the regulation of development for the protection of
> people and property from natural hazards in Ontario (consultation closes
> Dec. 30) <https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-2927> -
> https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-2927
> Review of A Place to Grow and Provincial Policy Statement (consultation
> closes Dec. 30) <https://ero.ontario.ca/index.php/notice/019-6177> -
> https://ero.ontario.ca/index.php/notice/019-6177
> Proposed Revocation of the Parkway Belt West Plan (consultation closes
> Dec. 30) <https://ero.ontario.ca/index.php/notice/019-6167> -
> https://ero.ontario.ca/index.php/notice/019-6167
>
>
> *3) Another Provincial Announcement -* Unfortunately, on the last working
> day just before Christmas Eve the provincial government made another 11th
> hour announcement hoping that no one would notice - this time finalizing
> changes to the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System that basically opens up
> almost every wetland in Southern Ontario to development and destruction:
>
> https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2022/12/24/fears-for-ontario-wetlands-as-province-finalizes-changes-to-evaluations-despite-thousands-of-letters-opposed.html
>
>
> *4) Recent Media Articles -* well written and informative articles,
> editorials and op-ed pieces continue in the media.  Please continue to
> write and help to inform others:
>
> A wonderful humorous and seasonal letter:
> https://www.orilliamatters.com/letters-to-the-editor/letter-imagine-dickenss-ghosts-visiting-premier-ford-6290149
>
> A national piece in the Globe & Mail questioning how the Ford government
> decided what lands to add to the Greenbelt:
>
> https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-ontario-greenbelt-farmland-wetlands-floodplains/
>
> A great article by Brendon Samuels who joined our last call in the
> Hamilton Spectator:
>
> https://www.thespec.com/opinion/contributors/2022/12/23/we-must-fight-the-ford-government-and-bill-23.html
>
>
> https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/greenbelt-oak-ridges-moraine-regulations-1.6692337
>
>
> https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2022/12/21/harmer-the-fight-over-the-indefensible-greenbelt-land-grab-is-not-over.html
>
>
> https://www.therecord.com/local-new-hamburg/news/2022/12/27/wilmot-township-residents-state-their-wishes-for-the-coming-year.html
>
>
> *5) Student and Youth Action -* the CBC had a good Metro Morning segment
> in Toronto recently about Jack Woolley a grade 12 student at Riverdale
> Collegiate School about a student walkout to protest the Greenbelt
> development plan.  Listen to his interview here:
>
> https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2151697987983
>
> We need to find ways to engage more youth in the Grand River Watershed.
> It would be fantastic to have a team focussed on youth and/or education.
> Please share any ideas or if you may be able to assist.
>
>
> *6) Donations -* There are a number of ways to donate before the end of
> year to help maximize the impact that we can have.  This includes:
>
> - Our Lawn Sign and Radio Ad Campaigns -
> https://smallchangefund.ca/project/protect-the-greenbelt-and-visionary-regional-planning-in-the-grand-river-watershed/
> - The Wellington Water Watchers - Greenbelt Promise -
> https://smallchangefund.ca/project/greenbelt-forever/
>
>
> *7) Radio Team -* Our Radio team continues to air ads in the Grand River
> Watershed and will be recording an hour long radio show on Bill 23, the
> Greenbelt attacks, and the destruction to Regional Planning this coming
> Friday.  Thanks to Henriette, Jeff, and Tanya who are working hard to
> inform listeners.
>
>
> *8) Upcoming Rallies -* There are some upcoming rallies including special
> New Year’s Day Rallies in Toronto and Pickering:
>
> *New Years Day Protection Gathering - Toronto*
> *Let’s start the year off together in action! David Grey Eagle is inviting
> us to hold a Protection Gathering this coming Sunday – on New Year’s Day –
> at 12:00 p.m., in solidarity against Ford's many heinous acts. This event
> is being held at Taber Hill (525 Bellamy Rd N, just north of Lawrence). We
> hope this will be the first of many Protection Gatherings to come. Even if
> you cannot attend, please share this invitation widely with your networks.
> Please consider this an action of our Truth and Reconciliation work as
> visitors on these lands: One voice, one message, one future.*
>
>
> *9) Greenbelt Guardians *- for those interested in becoming more active
> and involved in protecting the Greenbelt in a firsthand manner as a
> Greenbelt Guardian there is a volunteer form you can fill out to learn more
> and offer assistance:
>
>
> https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgAUNoxc1aD8wHiMtT7D5F95gS629lXap7V7QBve3rai15ig/viewform
>
>
> *10) **No Meeting This Friday -* due to the festive holidays and need for
> a break we are going to also take this Friday, Dec 30th off and resume our
> next Friday, 5:30pm Update Meeting on Friday, January 6th -
> https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09
>
>
> Thanks for all the great efforts so far.  Please share any questions or
> ideas.
>
> Cheers,
> Kevin Thomason and Mike Marcolongo on behalf of all our community groups.
>
> -------------------------------
>
> *A) Upcoming Events*
>
> Sunday, January 1st - 12pm - Protection Gathering/Rally in Toronto:
>
>
> Wednesday, January 4th - 11:59pm - Deadline for submissions to the
> Environmental Registry of Ontario for Region of Waterloo and Wellington
> County Official Plans:
> Region of Waterloo - https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-5952
> County of Wellington - https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-5635
>
> Friday, January  6th - 5:30pm - Update Zoom Call -
> https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09
>
> Wednesday, January 28th - Enough is Enough Provincial events against Doug
> Ford - https://ofl.ca/event/eie-kickoff/
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> *B) Detailed Submission to Waterloo ROP ERO *- use this document to help
> inform your own submissions prior to January 4th.
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> *C) Friends of the Greater Golden Horseshoe and Alliance for a Liveable
> Ontario Newsletter #4*
>
>
>
> Be sure to sign yourself and your group up for the ALO at:
> https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHngEQ_HTlayZ-kbdOinbBWX4tdK8EvcUD0Oq0QOmreXveog/viewform
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> *D) Youth for the Greenbelt *- Here’s an example of the fantastic artwork
> done by a Grade 3 class in Toronto.  We need to find ways to better engage
> the youth in the Grand River Watershed. Please share any ideas.
>
>
> -----------------------------
>
> *E) Rise Up Ontario - Democracy Handout*
>
>
>
>
>
> --------------------------------
> *F) The Next Step to Fight Ford - Ontario Federation of Labour*
>
> *
> <https://click.actionnetwork.org/ss/c/BqA3LhzOFl92KwaVoz69N9eHS8TxCz0tuecet_ScBXIjzDKwejVO8tHs4UCaNPTmLjueeKs2tX_KZd1lGRO8qZ1tgmbzmvSU6ruX-Z0Se6bVeeWPUwFskQuCVc1TslcrGklAi82uLolyuMUkhplfypdNZTyPe7wRvZZkhlzmOIzFwFQfQJuodY_i_aVgrfxAmeg7z_b5KTCEjm4LZPIP7-sycHHkbaHp2RfPn2BsY9fb7EN2urFryuqHHWS1ERA8/3s1/Y2lTXzfyQVO5hc1nXhSQ8Q/h4/hXZ6nvw6Jj3VTdOA-rhtMHIgfQC6Ei-oPpqXxLkMZe0>*
>
> *
> <https://click.actionnetwork.org/ss/c/BqA3LhzOFl92KwaVoz69N9eHS8TxCz0tuecet_ScBXIjzDKwejVO8tHs4UCaNPTmLjueeKs2tX_KZd1lGRO8qZ1tgmbzmvSU6ruX-Z0Se6bVeeWPUwFskQuCVc1TslcrGklAi82uLolyuMUkhplfypdNZTyPe7wRvZZkhlzmOIzFwFQfQJuodY_i_aVgrfxAmeg7z_b5KTCEjm4LZPIP7-sycHHkbaHp2RfPn2BsY9fb7EN2urFryuqHHWS1ERA8/3s1/Y2lTXzfyQVO5hc1nXhSQ8Q/h4/hXZ6nvw6Jj3VTdOA-rhtMHIgfQC6Ei-oPpqXxLkMZe0>The
> strength of our collective power has never been clearer than over the past
> few months. Together, we repealed Bill 28, and we made our voices heard
> loud and clear: we will not accept any attack on workers’ rights.*
>
> *But the reality is, too many Ontarians are still struggling. From the
> health care crisis to the cost-of-living crisis, things are too hard for
> too many. So, we’re saying: Enough is Enough
> <https://click.actionnetwork.org/ss/c/BqA3LhzOFl92KwaVoz69N9eHS8TxCz0tuecet_ScBXIjzDKwejVO8tHs4UCaNPTmpMiP59-mrHFFl73xMjtzAuuLxOIme3Xw-JUKnhcmcPMa-eEBA2AypEbxg7msxVPlMripjI84Vo7PJf7z0lqYZkun94JWfSbc0gbF_Mo04Cl82zX0Ah7ybjdoB8EVyjk9gN3ii3B84JHDmaI1iYJ-m95uyPXo5iJIqR8TYfSUYRIt2q3ROjN8ZpNk7Z1QqaFm/3s1/Y2lTXzfyQVO5hc1nXhSQ8Q/h5/s5zHLuSGu4dFxx6Lapp7t7YJxmCLF9vC54ONDonGqGE>.*
>
> *On January 28, join us online to launch a new campaign about how to fight
> for, and win, the Ontario we need. Learn more and RSVP here
> <https://click.actionnetwork.org/ss/c/BqA3LhzOFl92KwaVoz69N9eHS8TxCz0tuecet_ScBXIjzDKwejVO8tHs4UCaNPTmfgbayUgbDkz-XM33CMsW-S7t0_IHxv31j284h7W0dPMr_d0J0npV1gLi-0DpFgM7SJlsRz4NdBUOPCdc-HcXNN4-Jp0RQN-BLHAsM7ktzXpTQSh_XE9uX_mqwovX5a1PKEY8CyGJqntLAqFmDcfc0FHi-1phHiJIEQYyCW5qYTvtQBkL_ko6-su8uIeoMqwC/3s1/Y2lTXzfyQVO5hc1nXhSQ8Q/h6/WBDGkXqmAZ00yO6Rnw-HMwCEP0Fiy16rm7M1-54oUFI>. **https://ofl.ca/event/eie-kickoff/
> <https://ofl.ca/event/eie-kickoff/>*
>
> *
> <https://click.actionnetwork.org/ss/c/BqA3LhzOFl92KwaVoz69NyhRZe8LSM7aux_h9_hfWErSeY0E6Osr1xbzY3Zfgs2G3xfTONgttslo67EM7YA9lR93cg_u8dXZZnzrRmO6jOOVl0rZzCwvfI4hQ5cNaMnakY0RwgJgjXxA9vqLe3zj0kwkyCDStcWN88CYoNybL2gLgXKiFc2h6zhmSsd2XkDPUQdTWHNQKe40L8gywCalsb8RXs4l0Agt5bIEU_KP1ZFP7PH3ntgpe9U2TpGvueq_/3s1/Y2lTXzfyQVO5hc1nXhSQ8Q/h7/M0MtreX__Pgicyr4l4XfxgZFR7stas_Uj8XsBQvd97o>*
>
> --------------------------------
>
> *G) Speak Up and Ensure Your Voice is Heard:*
>
> Premier Doug Ford - doug.fordco at pc.ola.org or 416-325-1941
> Steve Clark - Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing -
> steve.clark at pc.ola.org or 416-585-7214
> David Piccini - Minster of Environment, Conservation and Parks -
> david.piccini at pc.ola.org <david.paccini at pc.ola.org> or 905-372-4000
> Todd Smith - Minister of Energy - todd.smith at pc.ola.org or 613-962-1144
> Michael Parsa - Associate Minister of Housing - michael.parsaco at pc.ola.org
>
> Local Conservative MPPs:
> Mike Harris Jr - MPP Kitchener-Conestoga - mike.harris at pc.ola.org or
> 519-669-2090
> Brian Riddell - MPP Cambridge - brian.riddell at pc.ola.org or 519-650-2770
> Jess Dixon - MPP Kitchener South - jess.dixon at pc.ola.org or 519-650-9413
>
> Local NDP MPPs:
> Catherine Fife - MPP Waterloo - cfife-qp at ndp.on.ca or 519-725-3477
> Laura Mae Lindo - MPP Kitchener Centre - llindo-qp at ndp.on.ca or
> 519-579-5460
>
> Or use the Hold The Line Waterloo Region engagement engine to
> automatically address and send an e-mail you help to draft:
> www.holdthelinewr.org
>
> -------------------------------------
>
> Kevin Thomason
> Vice-Chair, Grand River Environmental Network
>
> Phone: (519) 888-0519
> Mobile Phone/WhatsApp: (519) 240-1648
> Twitter: @kthomason
> E-mail: kevinthomason at mac.com
>
> -----------------------------------------
>
>

-- 
Henriëtte Thompson

Residing on the traditional lands of the Neutral, Anishinaabe, and
Haudenosaunee peoples and on the Haldimand Tract (1784).
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