[All] Bill 23, Bill 97, Regional Planning, Greenbelt Update, Meeting Friday April 28th at 5:30pm

Thu Apr 27 12:18:16 EDT 2023

Good Day,

A reminder of our meeting tomorrow, Friday, April 28th at 5:30pm on Zoom where we will try to address the most recent provincial announcements and implications for our communities: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09

1) Mike Marcolongo Is Recovering! - Mike continues to improve at home in Guelph after being seriously injured by a car while out riding his bike.  Thanks to everyone who has signed up for the Meal Train and has been helping.  Mike, Liz and their family really appreciate the delicious meals and the assistance as they recover from this near-fatal accident.  There are still a couple of openings on the train at:

	https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/qn2wk9

2) Regional and County Official Plan Follow-up - There continues to be good media coverage on the very undemocratic and totally unnecessary forced urban boundary expansions by Minister Steve Clark as part of the Official Plan approvals for Waterloo Region, Wellington County, Guelph, and others. 

	Woolwich Observer - Region Forced to Make more Land Available for Development:
	https://observerxtra.com/2023/04/20/region-forced-to-make-more-land-available-for-development/

	The Narwhal: Appeals not allowed, again: Ontario orders Waterloo to sprawl into farmland:
	https://thenarwhal.ca/ontario-waterloo-sprawl-farmland/

	Legislature - MPP Catherine Fife - Paving over our Farmland is a “No Brainer”:
	https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=142865258730116

3) Bill 97, Provincial Policy Planning Changes - We continue to learn more and figure out the implications of Bill 97, the new Provincial Policy Plan, the ending of the Growth Plan, the removal of intensification targets, etc.  The devastating implications are becoming more apparent including the new requirement that official plans and zoning bylaws cannot be more restrictive than provincial legislation which could have far reaching consequences for places like Waterloo Region that have stated due to our reliance on groundwater we need stronger policies than elsewhere in the province.

	The Record - Let Us Figure Out How it Works - Mayors aren’t willing to give up local control:
	https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/2023/04/20/let-us-figure-out-how-it-works-mayors-of-ontarios-biggest-cities-arent-willing-to-give-up-local-control-over-housing-decisions.html

	Toronto Star - Sprawl for all? What Doug Fords proposed changes to planning rules might mean for future growth:
	https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2023/04/20/sprawl-for-all-what-doug-fords-proposed-changes-to-planning-rules-might-mean-for-future-growth.html

4) Great Legal Summaries - Similar to the excellent Osler Law summary of Bill 97 and the PSS recently released, Aird Berlis has also released a great summary and interpretation of the proposed provincial changes:

	Osler Law: https://www.osler.com/en/resources/regulations/2023/policy-refresh-ontario-government-proposes-key-changes-to-provincial-planning-policy

	Aird Berlis Summaries:
	Proposed Provincial Planning Statement 2023: https://www.airdberlis.com/insights/publications/publication/ontario-makes-a-statement-an-overview-of-the-proposed-provincial-policy-statement-2023
	Bill 97 - Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act: https://www.airdberlis.com/insights/publications/publication/analyzing-bill-97-the-helping-homebuyers-protecting-tenants-act-2023

5) Rural Farm Severances - One of the most disturbing changes was the surprise recent announcement by the provincial government allowing prime farmland to be able to have three land severances and then also build an additional two homes on every farm.  Given that we are already losing 319 acres of farmland in Ontario every day, chopping up our intact farms into lots of smaller parcels for housing is only likely to dramatically worsen this loss.  

This proposed change is already seeing a land rush of inquiries to rural municipalities and could have devastating consequences in places such as Waterloo Region where since 1973 our No Rural Severances less than 80 acres has been strictly enforced creating a very intact and successful agricultural landscape.  This absurd change will dramatically increase the price of farmland for new farmers and have devastating long-term consequences to farmland in Ontario making it far more difficult for the next generations to farm on the agricultural lands that still exist.

	The Pointer - Experts say PC’s proposed Bill 97 is a Sprawl Inducing “Full Frontal Assault” on Ontario Agriculture:
	https://thepointer.com/article/2023-04-24/experts-say-pcs-proposed-bill-97-is-a-sprawl-inducing-full-frontal-assault-on-ontario-agriculture

6) We Need ERO Submissions - We need to be speaking up very loudly and protesting these proposed changes to planning, our communities, and precious farmland.  While the provincial government has closed all comments on the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) regarding Official Plans in addition to making them unappealable, there are still open comment periods on the other recent announcements of the Provincial Policy Statement and Bill 97.  You don’t need to be an expert and you don’t need to submit a lengthy submission in order to comment - even just a few words of concern is enough to send a message that you are not supportive of these provincial changes and policies:

	Comment on Bill 97 by May 6th:
	https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-6821

	Comment on the Provincial Policy Statement until June 5th:
	https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-6813

7) Study Raises Alarm About Greenbelt Damage - a new study just released highlights the damage and losses that could occur with the development of the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve.  The full report is attached below or use the following links to learn more:

	Toronto Star - Study Raises Alarm About Ecological Threats to Greenbelt Development:
	https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2023/04/22/details-of-new-provincial-park-in-oak-ridges-moraine-unveiled-as-study-raises-alarm-about-ecological-threats-to-greenbelt-development.html

	Study of DRAP Shows Ecological Damage Will Occur:
	https://environmentaldefence.ca/report/developing-disaster-species-at-risk-in-drap/

8) Indepth News Feature on the Greenbelt Takeouts, Duffins Rouge Agricultural Area and the Impacts of Provincial Decisions - a great detailed and easy to understand multipart series on the impacts of the provincial government actions on the Greenbelt.  Part one is below and aired April 26th, part 2 airs April 27th:

	Global Television and City News Original Architect of the Ontario Greenbelt Shares the impact of Development:
	https://toronto.citynews.ca/2023/04/25/original-architect-ontario-greenbelt-impact-development/

9) Alliance for a Liveable Ontario Webinar - the first webinar in the Building Hope Series called “Where is the Land We Need for Housing” was held last week with an impressive turnout and lots of great questions/discussion.  A video of this webinar featuring Cherise Burda (Executive Director, City Building Toronto Metropolitian Unversity) and Kevin Eby (expert Registered Planner) is now available at the links below.  Please share this with others - particularly thos who still think we need to scarifice the Greenbelt and farmland to deal with the housing challenges facing us:

	Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qdg9CO0xvc&list=PLv8VLKZxio4Ve4nxMYAuYj1ceC38xGilE
	Download the presentation decks here: https://www.liveableontario.ca/alliance-resources/building-hope-webinar-1-where-is-the-land-we-need-for-housing

10) Earth Day Events, Petitions and Recent Rallies - Despite the cold temperatures and pouring rain thousands of people participated in rallies and Earth Day activities across Ontario.  Peter Varty also reports that more than 40 people came out to the Kincardine Rally the previous weekend and got a great response.

Kudo’s to everyone who signed recent petitions and helped to get signatures to stop forced sprawl with the Say No to Urban Sprawl in Waterloo Region.  Watch MPP Catherine Fife present the petitions in the Legislature: 
	https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=223117987013409

	Guelph High School Students walked out on April 21st just ahead of Earth Day:
	https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/student-walkout-sparks-talk-about-youth-engagement-and-bill-23-6890910

	And an article summarizing Earth Day events in Guelph: 
	https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/residents-urged-into-climate-change-action-on-earth-day-6893879

	Various rallies took place across Ontario including this one in Durham:
	https://www.nationalobserver.com/2023/04/25/news/greenbelt-rally-turns-heat-ford-government

	And in Kincardine:
	https://perthcountysustainability.ca/bill-23/

11) Other News - Lots of interesting and inspiring things happening around Ontario:

In a local win for Durham environmentalists, Pickering Council votes "NO" to the long-standing airport proposal that is being pushed for by developers looking for more sprawl.  A new airport study could also signal the first step for the Federal government to turn airport lands into an expanded Rouge National Urban Park:

	 https://www.insauga.com/pickering-says-no-to-future-airport-mayor-calls-voting-process-a-farce/

And a win for Bradford Bypass opponents - a Federal judge has handed down a decision that suggests that the Minister of Environment and Climate Change needs to provide a rationale before denying involvement in a request for an EA: 

	https://www.bradfordtoday.ca/local-news/denying-federal-impact-assessment-for-bradford-bypass-unreasonable-6904083

	This decision provides a new opening for a future Federal EA for the Bradford Bypass. More details here: 

	https://ecojustice.ca/news/groups-celebrate-major-win-for-public-participation-in-court-case-related-to-bradford-bypass/ 

12) Lawn Signs -  Now that Spring is here brighten up your lawn with a sign in support of the Greenbelt and lawn signs in support of Respecting Official Plans/Stopping Sprawl.  We still have some signs available (examples below).  Please let any of our sign captains know if you would be interested in some for your lawn and neighbourhood:

	Both Regional Official Plan and Greenbelt Signs:
	Kitchener - Cathy Scott - cathy.scottfree at gmail.com <mailto:cathy.scottfree at gmail.com>
	Waterloo - David Lubell - dlubell at bell.net <mailto:dlubell at bell.net>
	Cambridge - Ashley Labelle - ashleynlabelle at gmail.com <mailto:ashleynlabelle at gmail.com>
	Elmira - Sandra Bray - sandra at sandrabray.ca <mailto:sandra at sandrabray.ca>
	Wilmot - Dorothy Wilson - ah_wilson at sympatico.ca <mailto:ah_wilson at sympatico.ca>
        Wellesley - Linda Lackey - lindamclackey at gmail.com <mailto:lindamclackey at gmail.com>
	Greenbelt Signs:
	Guelph Downtown - Anne Moore - amoore083 at gmail.com <mailto:amoore083 at gmail.com>
	Guelph South - Al Dejong - albert1dejong at gmail.com <mailto:albert1dejong at gmail.com>
	Centre Wellington  - Peter Varty - pjvarty at gmail.com <mailto:pjvarty at gmail.com>
	Brantford - Joan Faux - mom2jnp at gmail.com <mailto:mom2jnp at gmail.com>
	Glen Morris - Jeff Leader - geosynergy at yahoo.com <mailto:geosynergy at yahoo.com> 

13) Reminder - Meeting this Friday - Our next update meeting will be this Friday, April 28th at 5:30pm - Please join us for the latest news and information.

	Topic: Grand River Watershed Bill 23 Bi-Weekly Zoom Meeting
	Time: Every Other Friday at 5:30pm EST

	Join Zoom Meeting
	https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09

	Meeting ID: 826 4469 5701
	Passcode: 713374

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.

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A) Upcoming Events

Friday, April 28th - 5:30pm - Next update meeting on Zoom - https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09

Saturday, May 6th - last day to comment on Bill 97 - https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-6821

Monday, June 5th - last day to comment on the Provincial Policy Statement - https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-6813

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B) Excellent Hold the Line Media Release on Regional Official Plan Approval:

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C) Need a lawn sign to replace your snowbanks?  Please reach out to Kevin, Mike, or any of our Sign Captains:

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D) Speak up on Bill 97 and the Provincial Policy Statement: 

Please comment by JUNE 5th on the PPS: https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-6813 <https://gasp4change.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f78129ba7eabe097015221d5d&id=840c2d168c&e=8a629d034f> 

and May 6th on Bill 97: https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-6821

Here are some notes to help write your comments:

https://environmentaldefence.ca/2023/04/06/ontario-to-kill-growth-plan-proposed-new-planning-rules-would-kneecap-housing-supply-efforts-and-unleash-unprecedented-sprawl-on-ontarios-forests-farmland-and-wetlands/ <https://gasp4change.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f78129ba7eabe097015221d5d&id=4ae43b5c7d&e=8a629d034f>

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E) Developing Disaster - The Species and Ecosystems at Risk in the Greenbelt’s Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve

Here’s the full report:

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F) Environmental Defence Webinar - If you missed this excellent webinar watch for the recording coming soon:

https://act.environmentaldefence.ca/page/126400/petition/1

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G) Speak Up and Ensure Your Voice is Heard:

Premier Doug Ford - doug.fordco at pc.ola.org <mailto:doug.fordco at pc.ola.org> or 416-325-1941
Steve Clark - Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing - steve.clark at pc.ola.org <mailto:steve.clark at pc.ola.org> or 416-585-7214
David Piccini - Minster of Environment, Conservation and Parks - david.piccini at pc.ola.org <mailto:david.paccini at pc.ola.org> or 905-372-4000
Todd Smith - Minister of Energy - todd.smith at pc.ola.org <mailto:todd.smith at pc.ola.org> or 613-962-1144
Michael Parsa - Associate Minister of Housing - michael.parsaco at pc.ola.org <mailto:michael.parsaco at pc.ola.org>

Local Conservative MPPs:
Mike Harris Jr - MPP Kitchener-Conestoga - mike.harris at pc.ola.org <mailto:mike.harris at pc.ola.org> or 519-669-2090
Brian Riddell - MPP Cambridge - brian.riddell at pc.ola.org <mailto:brian.riddell at pc.ola.org> or 519-650-2770
Jess Dixon - MPP Kitchener South - jess.dixon at pc.ola.org <mailto:jess.dixon at pc.ola.org> or 519-650-9413

Local NDP MPPs:
Catherine Fife - MPP Waterloo - cfife-qp at ndp.on.ca <mailto:cfife-qp at ndp.on.ca> or 519-725-3477
Laura Mae Lindo - MPP Kitchener Centre - llindo-qp at ndp.on.ca <mailto:llindo-qp at ndp.on.ca> or 519-579-5460

-------------------------------------

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 <mailto:kevinthomason at mac.com>
-----------------------------------------

-------------------------------------

Kevin Thomason

1115 Cedar Grove Road
Waterloo, Ontario Canada  N2J 3Z4

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

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