[All] New Get It Done Act, Troubling ESA Changes, Provincial Corruption, Schneider's Lands, Bill 23, Meeting Friday Feb 23rd 5:30pm

[Kevin Thomason]

Good Day,

A reminder that tomorrow (Friday, February 3rd) at 5:30pm is our regular bi-weekly Update Meeting on Zoom.  Join us to discuss the latest concerning news on Bill 1 - The Get It Done Act and how it stands to decimate area farmland, new corruption with Russian connections, the Schneider’s Lands, and other updates:

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

Here’s the latest news:

1) Bill 1 - Get It Done Act - The provincial government has released the anticipated Get It Done Act.  As expected it:

	- Continues to change municipal growth plans for the third time in two years reinstating most of the Forced Urban Boundary Expansions in Waterloo Region and Halton Region that will result in the unnecessary loss of thousands of acres of farmland,
	- Contains troubling changes to the ability for the government to expropriate lands in advance of any environmental reviews (assuming that projects will simply proceed regardless of the environmental impacts or implications),
	- Blocks future provincial carbon taxes that could be essential to successfully addressing climate change, 
	- Absurdly freezes driver licence renewal fees, and
	- Restricts future toll roads.

We will discuss this Act and what can be done on our Friday at 5:30pm Zoom call.  Here’s some informative media articles:

	TVO Today - Doug Ford’s Omnibus Bill Is Bad Policy That Will Accomplish Nothing:
	https://www.tvo.org/article/doug-fords-omnibus-bill-is-bad-policy-that-will-accomplish-nothing

	CBC - Doug Ford Government Introduces Get It Done Act.  Here’s Whats In It:
	https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/doug-ford-get-it-done-act-legislation-1.7113991

	The Record - Doug Ford Hopes To Finally “Get It Done” When Legislature Resumes:
	https://www.therecord.com/politics/provincial/doug-ford-hopes-to-finally-get-it-done-when-legislature-resumes-tuesday/article_81ec0ccc-14b3-5ff8-9fad-2c47d5f843e7.html

	The Narwhal - Everything You Need To Know About How Ontario’s Get It Done Act Will Impact The Environment:
	https://thenarwhal.ca/ontario-get-it-done-act-explainer/

The folks at LeadNow.ca have launched a campaign where you can speak up with one click:

	LeadNow.ca Campaign - Stop Ford’s Latest Overeach - The Get It Done Act:
	https://act.leadnow.ca/getitdone-opposition/

Environmental Defence is urging citizens to use their simple calling tool to urge MPP’s to vote against the Get It Done Act:
	
	Environmental Defence - The Get It Done Act Will Hit Waterloo and Halton Regions Hard:
	https://ca.engagingnetworks.app/page/email?mid=048f71fb903d4ca4bdd2869480712d45

And we urge you to speak up on the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) so there is a public record of concerns against this Act:

	ERO - Get It Done Act, 2024 - Amending the Official Plan Adjustments Act, 2023
	https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-8273


2) Ontario Streamlining Complex Approval Processes with Troubling ESA Changes - What could possibly go wrong!  In an announcement on a Friday afternoon before a holiday long weekend that has become a hallmark of Doug Ford’s provincial government, the province has announced that it will be streamlining the environmental assessment process to make it easier and faster to build infrastructure with multiple changes to the Endangered Species Act.  You can read the official government announcement:

	https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1004199/ontario-streamlining-complex-approval-processes

It has been excellent to see environmental groups working together and a very strong response letter co-ordinated by Ontario Nature (attached below).

There has also been excellent media coverage:

	The Globe and Mail - Changes To Ontario Species Law Would Speed Loss Of Protected Habitat, Scientists Say:
	https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-changes-to-ontario-species-law-would-speed-loss-of-protected-habitat/

	CTV News London - Endangered Species Act Changes Will Harm Species At Risk, Say Researchers:
	https://london.ctvnews.ca/endangered-species-act-changes-will-harm-species-at-risk-say-researchers-1.6776672

	The Narwhal - Ontario To Cut Protections For Tiny Endangered Fish Found Along Route Of Highway #413:
	https://thenarwhal.ca/ontario-endangered-species-redside-dace-highway-413/


3) Ontario Introduces the "Keeping Energy Costs Down Act" to Overrule the OEB - As expected, today the Ford government introduced the Keeping Energy Costs Down Act to override the OEB's December decision that Enbridge gas pipeline expansions shouldn't be subsidized by current gas ratepayers given that there are now better alternatives such as heat pumps available. 

	The Globe and Mail - Ontario Moves to Overturn Natural Gas Decision by OEB: 
	https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-ontario-moves-to-overturn-natural-gas-decision-by-energy-regulator/

	CP24 - New Ontario Legislation Reverses OEB decision: 
	https://www.cp24.com/news/ontario-to-reverse-energy-board-s-decision-that-it-says-would-raise-cost-of-new-homes-1.6779434 <https://www.cp24.com/news/ontario-to-reverse-energy-board-s-decision-that-it-says-would-raise-cost-of-new-homes-1.6779434>

	Here's the Environmental Defence Statement on the Introduction of the Legislation: 
	https://environmentaldefence.ca/2024/02/22/environmental-defence-condemns-ontarios-move-to-overrule-oeb-decision-to-benefit-enbridge/

Tell Doug Ford and Energy Minister Todd Smith that Ontarians want affordable, green heating and to leave the Ontario Energy Board alone.  Frankly, given global climate commitments we should be banning fossil gas and following other jurisdictions in prohibiting new connections - not overruling independent energy boards and forcing costs on consumers for new connections for decades to come.  Speak up and sign the online petition from LeadNow.ca at:

	https://you.leadnow.ca/petitions/support-the-oeb-don-t-let-doug-ford-and-enbridge-sabotage-our-future?


4) Schneider’s Land Donation Update - The hundreds of acres of land that the Schneider family wants to donate to the rare Charitable Land Trust continues to be in the news as the media questions the lack of progress and lack of response from Wilmot Township:

	CKCO CTV News - Wait Continues for Schneider Family’s Wilmot Land Donation:
	https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/wait-continues-for-the-schneider-family-s-wilmot-land-donation-1.6773063

There is also wider media interest as other newspapers pick up the story and national reporters have started making inquiries:

	The Hamilton Spectator - Parking Issue Holding Up Land Donation: Two Wilmot Councillors Fight Back Over Criticism From rare and Schneider Family:
	The Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette -  Parking Issue Holding Up Land Donation: Two Wilmot Councillors Fight Back Over Criticism From rare and Schneider Family:
	https://www.thespec.com/news/canada/parking-issue-holding-up-land-donation-two-wilmot-councillors-fight-back-over-criticism-from-rare/article_2e5f3f1a-f1ac-57e7-b66d-9f54625e146d.html

Yesterday, Wilmot Township released a letter (attached below) stating that there will be a Staff Report released on February 28th in advance of the Wilmot Council Meeting on March 4th.  Unfortunately few details are known about what to expect in the Staff Report, any timelines, nor how any decisions will be made.  It is also absurd that written presentations for the meeting are due the same day as the Staff Report is to be released - providing almost no time for the public to review and understand the report, draft and complete their presentation, and submit it to Wilmot Township.

We will share the Staff Report as soon as it is available and urge people to continue to speak up and do all that you can to help ensure that this incredible donation of these spectacular environmentally sensitive lands succeeds.


5) Kitchener Inclusionary Zoning - City of Kitchener Staff are proposing important new Inclusionary Zoning rules that would ensure that every new development near public transit contains a percentage of affordable units, however developers and seemingly numerous Kitchener Councillors are opposed.  We need your help to speak up for these better planning solutions that ensure our community gets hundreds of much needed affordable housing units and that our municipal governments don't give away valuable concessions for nothing in return.  

Decisions will be made at the March 18th Kitchener City Council Meeting.  We will discuss on Friday at 5:30pm potential actions and how best we can ensure the solutions we need for more affordable housing.  A website is also under development which will help to educate and inform citizens on Inclusionary Zoning.  Watch for more updates soon.


6) Provincial Corruption Continues - Province Awards Additional $255 Million Contract To Sanctioned Russian Oligarch - Thanks to Joan Faux who found this very concerning Infrastructure Ontario announcement awarding a Metrolinx contract worth hundreds of millions of dollars to a company owned by and connected to Russian oligarach Oleg Deripaska.  Below is her synopsis:

I came across an Infrastructure Ontario announcement earlier today about awarding a new Metrolinx contract for the Scarborough line:
https://www.infrastructureontario.ca/en/news-and-media/news/advance-tunnel-eglinton-crosstown-west-extension-2/contract-awarded-for-eglinton-crosstown-west-extension-advance-tunnel-2/

Strabag, the company who got the contract, is connected with sanctioned Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska. From what I understand, Deripaska owns 25%. This is the second multimillion dollar contract awarded to Strabag for the Scarborough line.

Strabag supposedly attempted to disentangle themselves from Deripaska, but it was not terribly effective - they sold more shares, but Deripaska did not sell his.
https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/austrias-rbi-take-28-stake-strabag-effort-shed-russia-exposure-2023-12-19/

A rather interesting twist in this story is that Navalny, the very recently assassinated opponent of Putin had investigated Deripaska. This thread was posted on X in 2022:
https://x.com/navalny/status/1559883125534105600?s=46&t=XLYcxxaKfwXm7EGqQ-olxw

Jordan Roberts wrote a post on his Corruptario blog that goes through the whole mess.
https://open.substack.com/pub/corruptario/p/metrolinx-and-infrastructure-ontario?r=dfpu3&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post


7) Thousands of Acres of Wellington Farmland Targeted For Development - The province has mandated significant population growth for Wellington County with most of the growth happening in Elora and Fergus.  Learn more in the following article:

	EloraFergusToday.com - If You Want To Save County Farmland, Get Used To Taller Buildings:
	https://www.elorafergustoday.com/local-news/opinion-if-you-want-to-save-county-farmland-get-used-to-taller-buildings-8317211


8) Recent Media - News coverage includes Doug Ford refusing to apologize to provincial employees over unconstitutional wage limitations, and more new developments:

	The Toronto Star - Ford Government Wants To Fast-Track Construction Projects But Critics Warn Greenbelt Shows It Can’t Be Trusted:
	https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/ford-government-wants-to-fast-track-construction-projects-but-critics-warn-greenbelt-shows-it-cant/article_d900627a-ccdc-11ee-aba0-2f7214822028.html

	The Record - Three More Residential Developments Approved For South Kitchener:
	https://www.therecord.com/news/council/three-more-residential-developments-approved-for-south-kitchener/article_6f153c2e-56a2-5b6f-a171-6d1e404c0880.html

	The Record - Doug Ford Hopes To Finally “Get It Done” When Legislature Resumes Tuesday:
	https://www.therecord.com/politics/provincial/doug-ford-hopes-to-finally-get-it-done-when-legislature-resumes-tuesday/article_81ec0ccc-14b3-5ff8-9fad-2c47d5f843e7.html

	The Record - Doug Ford Refuses To Apologize Over Wage Capping Legislation As MPPs Return To Queen’s Park:
	https://www.therecord.com/politics/provincial/doug-ford-refuses-to-apologize-over-wage-capping-legislation-as-mpps-return-to-queen-park/article_da141a01-a42f-582b-a47b-f8aca27b6bce.html


9) Triple Renewable Energy - The amazing folks at The Ontario Clean Air Alliance have released an excellent new video on how badly Ontario has fallen behind the rest of the world on low-cost clean energy and is hoping that you will watch the video and help speak up.  Spend 1 minute of your time and check it out at the following link: 

	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVB1IdoMb1k

You can also order free pamphlets to share with others at:
	
	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVB1IdoMb1k


10) Induced Demand - Thanks to Joan Faux for sharing this excellent video on the myth that highway expansion will solve our traffic issues.  It’s well worth watching and sharing:

	More Lanes Are (Still) A Bad Thing - by Not Just Bikes:
	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHZwOAIect4


11) The Future of Farmland Forum - The Ontario Farmland Trust would like to invite you to the annual Farmland Forum on March 21st from 9am to 5pm at the Grandway Events Centre in Elora and online.  Registration and more information can be found at:

	https://ontariofarmlandtrust.ca/forum/


12) Reminder - Next Meeting - Join us this Friday, February 23rd at 5:30pm to discuss the latest news and what’s next:

	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, February 23rd - 5:30pm - Next update meeting on Zoom - https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09

GreenDrinks KWC - Wednesday, February 28th 7pm to 9pm - Graffiti Market, 137 Glasgow Street, Kitchener - https://www.facebook.com/groups/KWGreenDrinks/

The Future of Farmland Forum - Thursday, March 21st 9am to 5pm - https://ontariofarmlandtrust.ca/forum/

ERO Deadline Get It Done Act Amending the Official Plan Adjustments Act, 2024 - Deadline - Thursday, March 21st - https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-8273


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B) The Get It Done Act, 2024






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C) ERO - Get It Done Act, 2024 - Amending the Official Plan Adjustments Act, 2023

Please respond by March 21, 2024

	https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-8273


https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-8273

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D) Joint Sign On Letter On Changes to the Endangered Species Act:

	


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E) Schneider’s Lands - Wilmot Township Letter:

	


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F) Recent Media:


Theo Moudakis: Get It Done - The Toronto Star


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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
Paul Calandra - Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing - paul.calandra at pc.ola.org <mailto:steve.clark at pc.ola.org> or 416-585-7000
Andrea Khanjin - Minster of Environment, Conservation and Parks - andrea.khanjin at pc.ola.org <mailto:andrea.khanjin at pc.ola.org> or 705-722-0575
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

Local Green Party MPPs:
Mike Schreiner - MPP Guelph - mschreiner at ola.org <mailto:mschreiner at ola.org> or (519) 836-4190
New! - Aislinn Clancy - MPP Kitchener Centre - new contact information coming soon

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

-----------------------------------
Kevin Thomason
Vice-Chair, Grand River Environmental Network
www.gren.ca <http://www.gren.ca/>

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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