[All] Bill 23, Bill 97, Regional Planning, Greenbelt, PPS - Meeting Friday, May 26th at 5:30pm

Thu May 25 19:48:21 EDT 2023

Good Day,

A reminder of our meeting tomorrow, Friday, May 26th at 5:30pm on Zoom where we will discuss recent provincial announcements and the implications for our communities: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09

1) We Will Not Be Divided - There is an excellent new media campaign that has been released by the 13 farm organizations (OFA, NFU, Beef Farmers, Dairy Board, Egg Board, etc.) working together to fight the rural farm severances that could be so devastating to Ontario’s landscape and our ability to grow food in the future.  

	OFA/NFU/CFU Unite - We Will Not Be Divided:
	https://docs.google.com/document/d/15F7MH1SeojpXdc009kL3_2ksu98oumXjASEGz-CkRko/edit

Please check out this campaign and spread the word on social media.  There are excellent materials that you can download and share over social media (examples below).  We really need to engage our family, friends and neighbours to ensure that this devastating and far-reaching policy proposal is never enacted by the Ford government or our province will be forever changed for the worse with little recourse.

TVO's David Moscrop wrote an excellent article on the impacts of Bill 97 and changes to the PPS where he stated: "Bill 97 is not a foregone conclusion. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture and the National Farmers Union are fighting it. They are calling on Ontarians to back them up. And we should.” 

	https://www.tvo.org/article/doug-fords-plans-for-ontarios-farmland-put-us-all-at-risk

2) Recent Media - there continues to be good coverage of the issues in the media:

	CBC - Farmers say Bill 97 imperils the future of Agriculture in Ontario:
	https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/ontario-bill-97-farm-housing-severence-1.6849374

	Petersburg Pit Petition - Wilmot Township - Coming to Council on Monday, May 29th:
	https://act.newmode.net/action/wellington-water-watchers/protect-petersburg

	The Record - Breaking Up Region Would Set Us Back Big Time:
	https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/2023/05/23/breaking-up-into-separate-municipalities-would-set-us-back-big-time-regional-councillor-says.htm <https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/2023/05/23/breaking-up-into-separate-municipalities-would-set-us-back-big-time-regional-councillor-says.htmi>

	The Record - Why Doug Ford is Happy to Split Up Peel:
	https://www.therecord.com/ts/politics/political-opinion/2023/05/20/why-doug-ford-is-happy-to-split-up-peel-region.html

	The Record - Veteran Planner Calls for One Stop Development Approvals In Waterloo Region:
	https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/2023/05/24/veteran-planner-calls-for-one-stop-development-approvals-in-waterloo-region.html

3) Municipal Reports on the Provincial Planning Statement - Municipalities, Regions and Counties across Ontario are releasing reports on the proposed changes to the PPS.  Some of these reports are very well written and express serious concerns about many of these troubling proposals from Queen’s Park.  We need to be speaking at our local Councils in support of this important feedback to the provincial government as well as urging our municipalities to be even bolder and more outspoken.

We believe that Wilmot Township, the City of Waterloo, and Wellesley Township will all have reports coming out in the next 48 hours.  Please share any information you can learn about other municipalities across our watershed as well.

4) Farmland Severances - ALO - The Alliance for a Liveable Ontario has released a detailed report and media release that describes these severances and other proposed changes as a “Fatal Blow to Agriculture in Ontario”.  These are excellent materials to circulate to local media in each of our communities.  Please don’t assume that others have done it - communicate directly to your local media.  PDF copies of the release and report are attached below or learn more on-line at:

	https://www.liveableontario.ca/

5) Greenbelt Overview Presentation - Liz Benneian an amazing environmental activist in the Niagara Region, is hosting a free webinar on May 31st from 7pm to 8pm about the history and background of the Greenbelt.  She realized that many people may not be familiar with its origins, why it was created, and how it is so integral for our future quality of life in Ontario.  A poster with details is attached below or join the event online directly at:

	https://tinyurl.com/4b8mvdve

6) NDP Stop The Sprawl Virtual Rally and Town Hall - Join Official Opposition Housing Critic NDP MPP Jessica Bell and NDP MPP for Waterloo Catherine Fife for an online virtual Town Hall discussing how the housing crisis can be solved while protecting the Greenbelt and farmland on May 31st at 7pm.  RSVP online at:

	https://www.jessicabellmpp.ca/stopsprawl

7) Speak Up on the ERO Submissions - We need to be speaking up very loudly and protesting these proposed changes to planning, our communities, and precious farmland.  There is still an important open comment period on the recent announcement of changes to the Provincial Policy Statement.  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 the Provincial Policy Statement (in particular the absurd proposed farm severances) until June 5th:
	https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-6813

8) Ontario Health Coalition Vote - This coming Friday May 26th and Saturday May 27th is the province wide referendum on private healthcare being help by the Ontario Health Coalition.  It is very important that we participate and help spread the word about this important initiative that aims to get over 1 million people to the polls this coming weekend.  There are polling locations across our watershed to vote in-person or you can also vote online or learn more at:

	www.publichospitalvote.ca

Additional information is also attached below that you can share with friends and family.

9) Municipal Leaders for Stronger Communities Webinar - The webinar “Creating Housing Solutions Amidst Provincial Planning Chaos” was held earlier today featuring Victor Doyle (Provincial Housing and Planning Expert) and Dr. Karen Chapple (Director of the School of Cities, University of Toronto).

The panel discussion focused on an expert analysis of the proposed changes to the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) and what it will mean for municipal Councils trying to meet housing needs.  It was an incredible presentation highlighting how the province is heading in the absolute wrong direction on almost every recent planning initiative.  It is well worth taking the time to watch and also directing your local elected officials to watch it as it is so relevant and informative.  It will be posted soon to the EcoSpark Youtube Channel at:

	https://www.youtube.com/@EcoSparkEnv/videos

10) David vs. Goliath Win in Eastern Ontario - The Coalition Against the Proposed Prison (CAPP) to protect former Kemptville Agricultural College Lands has scored a major victory.  In a case that thus far has received little media attention, a judicial review application by the Coalition Against the Proposed Prison (CAPP) is moving forward after the Ontario Superior Court rejected the Province's bid to quash the case:

	https://ngtimes.ca/prison-judicial-review-can-proceed-judge-rules/. 

This challenge is taking place in Steve Clark’s own riding of Leeds-Grenville.  You can read the decision here:

	https://www.coalitionagainstproposedprison.ca/_files/ugd/3afeb7_12b1f2f397024dab801d1ed9b407bf9e.pdf 

11) Enough is Enough Day of Action on June 3rd - The Ontario Federation of Labour is doing a fantastic job organizing events across Ontario as part of their Saturday, June 3rd Enough is Enough campaign to push back against the policies of the provincial government - so many of which are not in the best interest of the public.   Let's have a strong environmental/Greenbelt/farmland protection contingent at events across our Grand River watershed on June 3rd! 

	https://ofl.ca/event/eie-day-of-action/

Here are all the locations for the Day of Action including for Guelph, Puslinch, Brantford, and Kitchener-Waterloo:

	https://www.coalitionagainstproposedprison.ca/_files/ugd/3afeb7_12b1f2f397024dab801d1ed9b407bf9e.pdf

12) Reminder - Meeting this Friday - Join us this Friday, May 26th at 5:30pm:

	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

Please help us inform people about these issues.  Feel free to forward this e-mail or parts of it to anyone you think would be interested and please reply or send Mike or I any e-mail addresses of people you would like to be added to our distribution list.  Each week we are growing our reach and helping to educate to more people.

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, May 26th - 5:30pm - Next update meeting on Zoom - https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09

Friday, May 26th and Saturday, May 27th - Ontario Health Coalition Citizen Lead Referendum - Be sure to vote to send a message on health care privatization - https://publichospitalvote.ca/

Wednesday, May 31st - 7:00pm - The Truth About The Greenbelt Webinar - https://tinyurl.com/4b8mvdve

Wednesday, May 31st - 7:00pm - NDP Stop The Sprawl Virtual Rally and Town Hall Event - https://www.jessicabellmpp.ca/stopsprawl

Saturday, June 3rd - Ontario Federation of Labour - Enough is Enough Day of Action - Join Activities in Guelph, Puslinch, Kitchener, Brantford, London and across Ontario - https://ofl.ca/event/eie-day-of-action/

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

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B) We Will Not Be Divided Campaign Materials -  here are some of the excellent materials produced by the farm organizations to fight Bill 97.  Please share these on social media and distribute them widely:

🚨ACTION ALERT🚨

We need your help. 

Bill 97 and Proposed Provincial Planning Statement will have an enormous impact on the future of farmland. Allowing up to three lot severances per farm parcel means that residential developments will be scattered throughout prime agricultural land, irreparably fragmenting and paving over farmland. Ontario’s productive farmland is a scarce resource, making up less than five per cent of all the land in the province. We already lose 319 acres a day–we can’t afford to lose any more. 

Use the action tool linked in our bio to send Minister Clark a letter, letting him know that you oppose BIll 97. The more emails in his inbox the better–share this post, and let the Ontario Government know that we will not be divided! 

#WeWillNotBeDivided #OpposeBill97

“If you divide a farm two or three times, you end up having country estates. Farmland is scarce enough and we can’t afford to lose any more.” -Jenn Pfenning, NFU President

Bill 97 and the Proposed Provincial Planning Statement will allow farm parcels to be severed up to three times. Dividing farmland like this will only result in fragmenting and paving over farmland while failing to build up affordable housing within the province. Country estates won’t fix the housing crisis, and we need to ensure a food and farm secure future. 

Tell Minister Clark that we will not be divided! Use the action tool linked in our bio to write him a letter outlining why you oppose Bill 97 (template provided). #OpposeBill97 #WeWillNotBeDivded

Download more materials here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/15F7MH1SeojpXdc009kL3_2ksu98oumXjASEGz-CkRko/edit

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C) Greenbelt History Webinar - May 31st at 7pm:

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D) NDP Stop The Sprawl Virtual Rally and Town Hall Event - Wednesday, May 31st at 7pm

Register at: https://www.jessicabellmpp.ca/stopsprawl

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E) Alliance for a Liveable Ontario - Fatal Blow to Agriculture Report and Media Release - please distribute to local media in your community:

	ALO Press Release: Broad Coalition Calls On Province to Stop Plans That Will Fatally Harm Agriculture and Build Houses in the Wrong Places:

	ALO Report: Province Poised to Deliver Fatal Blow to Agriculture and Environment While Worsening House Crisis:

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F) Speak up on the Provincial Policy Statement and proposed rural severances for farmland: 

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> 

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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G) Municipal Leaders for Stronger Communities - Webinar - Thursday, May 25th at 4pm:

 It is well worth taking the time to watch the recording of this excellent webinar and also directing your local elected officials to watch it as it is so relevant and informative.  It will be posted soon to the EcoSpark Youtube Channel at:

	https://www.youtube.com/@EcoSparkEnv/videos

——————————————————

H) Ontario Healthcare Coalition Referendum - Friday, May 26th and Saturday, May 27th

Be sure to speak up and vote online or a local polling stations in locations across our watershed.  Ensure that your family, friends and neighbours vote too.

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I) 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
Will Bouma - MPP Brantford-Brant - will.bouma at pc.ola.org <mailto:will.bouma at pc.ola.org> or (519) 759-0361
Ted Arnott - MPP Wellington-Halton Hills - ted.arnott at pc.ola.org <mailto:ted.arnott at pc.ola.org> or (519) 787-5247
Ernie Hardeman - MPP Oxford - ernie.hardeman at pc.ola.org <mailto:ernie.hardeman at pc.ola.org> or (519) 537-5222
Matthew Rae - MPP Perth-Wellington - matthew.rae at pc.ola.org <mailto:matthew.rae at pc.ola.org> or (519) 272-0660

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

Local Green Party MPPs:
Mike Schreiner - MPP Guelph - mschreiner at ola.org <mailto:mschreiner at ola.org> or (519) 836-4190

Independent MPPs:
Bobbi Ann Brady - MPP Haldimand-Norfolk - babrady-co at ola.org <mailto:babrady-co at ola.org> or (519) 428-0446

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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>
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