[All] ACTION ALERT - Bill 185 & PPS - Easy New Tools, Final Deadlines To Speak Up Against Devastating Changes This Friday & Sunday

Wed May 8 09:33:17 EDT 2024

Good Day,

On Friday at midnight and again this Sunday at midnight are the deadlines for public comment on devastating changes the province is proposing that could be the end of Smart Growth in Ontario and severely compromise or eliminate almost all of the environmental protections in Waterloo Region.

We need to speak up as Doug Ford is proposing to eliminate the Growth Plan that has been guiding growth more sustainably across southern Ontario the past 20 years as well remove Planning Authority from upper-tier Regions such as Waterloo, Halton, Peel, Niagara, and others that could negatively impact all of our Waterloo Regional environmental protections such as our Countryside Line that we have counted on since not receiving any Greenbelt protection from the province.

There are 3 primary ways to take action:

1) Automated E-mail Tools - These are fast and simple tools that will automatically send a letter to elected officials.  In order to ensure your message receives the maximum attention, we recommend you customize the subject line and the message to reflect your concerns:

	a) Waterloo Climate Collaborative - has created a great letter focussing on the loss of Planning Authority in Waterloo under Bill 185: 

		https://act.newmode.net/action/wellington-water-watchers/bill-185

	b) Ontario Headwaters Institute - has created a letter with three themes - Bill 185, the PPS, and Conservation Authority changes:

		 https://win.newmode.net/ontarioheadwatersinstitute/emailbill185anditsalignedeffortsshouldbewithdrawnandsignificantlyreworked

	c) Water Watchers - has created a letter covering Bill 185 and the PPS with a focus on public and First Nations consultation:

		https://www.wellingtonwaterwatchers.ca/bill_185

2) Community Group Open Letter - The new Waterloo Climate Collaborative - a working partnership between almost all environmental groups in Waterloo Region has drafted an Open Letter that we are encouraging all Waterloo area groups to sign on to.  This is a detailed submission on Bill 185’s anticipated impacts from removing Planning Authority from the Region of Waterloo - jeopardizing almost all our environment protections such as our Countryside Line, Protected Countryside, and Environmentally Sensitive Landscapes that had be be created locally when we were left out of the Greenbelt.

	Here is the Open Letter:
	https://actionnetwork.org/user_files/user_files/000/107/401/original/Waterloo_Bill_185_Sign_On_Letter_v3.pdf

	Fill out the following Google Form to have your organization included as a signatory:
	https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdjYDinYUtipPQgIyBMU3N7LE2JopjR9WO2zO2Jx4lvrs8f1A/viewform

	E-mail your group logo to Kevin Thomason to be included in the letter at: kevinthomason at mac.com or upload it at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/127NDIbwyCCmCsHBZkjhEHyTDYkldOudkxtzBRE6ii20/edit

Deadline is Friday, May 10th at 5pm so we have time to submit the completed Open Letter with all groups listed before the midnight deadline.

3) Submissions to the Environmental Registry of Ontario - The deadlines are rapidly approaching for public comment submissions on:

A) Bill 185, Cutting Red Tape To Build More Homes Act, ERO 019-8369 on Friday, May 10, 2024 at 11:59PM: https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-8369

For Region of Waterloo residents: Please be sure to speak up about how the removal of Planning Authority from the Region of Waterloo could jeopardize, compromise, and even eliminate most of our environmental protections including the Countryside Line, Protected Countryside, Environmentally Sensitive Landscapes, and ESPA areas and if Planning Authority is removed that we require Greenbelt expansion for adequate protection of primary groundwater recharge areas.

For residents in All Areas of Ontario: There are very concerning changes that eliminate the ability for citizens to appeal development decisions to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), changes what constitutes “public notice”, and changes the criteria for the opening of settlement area (urban) boundaries that will allow almost unlimited urban expansion onto farmland.

Summary of Our Recommendations on Bill 185:

	- Planning Authority should be retained by the Region of Waterloo, our Countryside Line remain intact, and forced boundary expansions eliminated,
	- If Planning Authority is removed Greenbelt expansion is required to adequately protect the Waterloo Moraine,
	- Changes to Settlement Area Boundaries should not be permitted outside of regular municipal comprehensive review periods,
	- Proposed changes to MZO’s could be good but require more understanding,
	- It is fantastic to see the absurd Community Infrastructure and Housing Accelerator (CHIA) introduced by Bill 109 rescinded,
	- Planning Act Sections dealing with limiting Third Party Appeals should be rescinded,
	- The Attorney General should disclose all communications with municipalities and developers requesting changes to third party appeal rights,
	- The Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) should be required to permit third party appeals,

B) Provincial Planning Statement, ERO 019-8462 on Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 11:59PM: https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-8462

Contrary to the messaging from the province, the proposed changes to the PPS and (unlike its name) Bill 185 are unlikely to result in more housing being built.  It is likely to result in far less housing while the devastating environmental impacts and other negative consequences could be felt for generations. 

Summary of Our Recommendations on the Provincial Planning Statement (PPS):

	- Concerning changes to remove or make greenfield density targets optional need to removed and existing greenfield density targets maintained or increased for all parts of Ontario,
	- The elimination of intensification targets need to be removed and existing intensification targets maintained or increased and made mandatory - not optional, 
	- 2 additional residences permitted on every farm despite last year’s efforts to prevent the absurd 4 severances per farm needs to be completely removed,
	- Troubling changes to permit new subdivision developments in rural areas need to be eliminated,
	- Encouraging development on septic systems and water systems that have proved problematic in the past needs to be eliminated from the proposed PPS changes,
	- The Agricultural System and the Natural Heritage System concepts and mapping need to be restored for the Greater Golden Horseshoe.

Please send copies of your ERO submissions to area MPPs (contact information below) as well as submitting comments on the registry.

Impressive additional resources are listed below as organizations across Ontario speak up against these destructive proposals.  Please share any questions or ideas.

Thank you for taking action!
Kevin Thomason, Mike Marcolongo, and Joan Faux on behalf of all of our community groups.

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Resources To Help Inform Your Comments On Bill 185 And The Proposed PPS Changes:

Official provincial website on Bill 185, Cutting Red Tape To Build More Homes Act, 2024:
https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-43/session-1/bill-185

Official provincial website on proposed Provincial Planning Statement (PPS) changes:
https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-8462

There are considerable concerns across Ontario and there have been a broad set of resources developed from organizations including:

a) Olde Berlin Town Neighbourhood Association, Kitchener - Website Resource - An impressive collection of information of resources and links about Bill 185 and the PPS:
	https://oldeberlintown.ca/bill-185/

b) Watson & Associates Bill 185 and PPS Overview of Changes - An excellent summary resource that’s easy to understand:
	https://actionnetwork.org/user_files/user_files/000/107/576/original/Assessment_of_Bill_185__Cutting_Red_Tape_to_Build_More_Homes_Act__2024_and_the_proposed_PPS__2024.pdf

c) What’s Happening With The Wilmot Land Grab - How Bill 162 and Bill 185 Impact This Regional Industrial Mega-Site Land Assembly - a great video put together my Joan Faux based on the NDP Town Hall Meeting on April 19th in New Hamburg:
	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVv9iuWjxwU

d) Environmental Defence Statement - April 10, 2024:
	https://environmentaldefence.ca/2024/04/10/bill-185-and-proposed-provincial-planning-statement-would-unleash-a-wave-of-greenfield-scandals-by-removing-tribunal-oversight-of-sprawl-approvals/

e) Environmental Defence Blog Post - Bill 185 & PPS Pose Serious Threat to Farmland, Wetlands and Housing Options - May 6, 2024:
	https://environmentaldefence.ca/2024/05/06/ontarios-bill-185-new-provincial-planning-statement-pose-a-serious-threat-to-farmland-wetlands-habitats-and-housing-options/

f) Environmental Defence Backgrounder Legal Document on Bill 185 and the PPS - April 19, 2024:
	https://actionnetwork.org/user_files/user_files/000/107/415/original/EDC_YTP_Pothen_Bill185_PPS_041924.pdf

g) Alliance for a Liveable Ontario (ALO) Bill 185 Open Letter and expert Video Webinar with Victor Doyle:
	https://www.liveableontario.ca/alliance-resources/action-heading-in-the-wrong-direction
	Includes an amazing webinar outlining concerns with Bill 185 and the potential impacts on planning across Ontario

h) Hold The Line and The Record - Open Letter:  The Countryside Line Is Still Worth Protecting:
	https://www.therecord.com/opinion/open-letter-the-countryside-line-is-still-worth-protecting/article_1c6178ff-2458-5584-a83b-9349c0cd7598.html
	An Open Letter signed by 13 former elected officials who helped to create or uphold Waterloo Region’s visionary Countryside Line policy

i) Donnelly Law Statement Memo on Bill 185 Taking Away Third Party Appeal Rights For Citizens:
	https://actionnetwork.org/user_files/user_files/000/107/414/original/Bill185Memo_Donnelly_Law_2024.04.16.pdf

j) Jessica Bell, MPP University-Rosedale - Great Summary of Bill 185:
	https://www.jessicabellmpp.ca/good_bad_and_ugly_what_s_in_the_government_s_new_housing_bill

k) Reform Gravel Bill 185 Petition Protecting Public Participation and Appeal Rights:
	https://www.reformgravelmining.ca/amend-bill-185
	Bill 66, Bill 23, and now Bill 185 all try to strip residents and community groups of their right to appeal and erode democracy making the OLT a developer’s only tribunal…

l) Goodman’s Law - Shifting Sands - Ontario Proposes More Changes Through Bill 185:
	https://www.goodmans.ca/insights/article/shifting-sands-ontario-proposes-more-changes-to-the-land-use-planning-framework-through-bill-185

m) Aird Berlis Law Bill 185 Overview:
	https://www.airdberlis.com/insights/publications/publication/first-reading-of-bill-185-and-the-draft-2024-provincial-planning-statement

n) McMillan LLP - Introducing Bill 185 and the New PPS:
	https://mcmillan.ca/insights/publications/introducing-bill-185-the-cutting-red-tape-to-build-more-homes-act-and-an-update-on-the-new-provincial-planning-statement/

o Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) - Bill 185:
	https://www.dentons.com/en/insights/articles/2024/april/11/continuing-to-cut-through-the-red-tap

p) Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario - Protecting Ontario’s Farmland Amidst Red Tape Reduction:
	https://www.christianfarmers.org/media/commentary/balancing-growth-and-guardianship-protecting-ontario-s-farmland-amidst-red-tape-reduction

q) Recent Media Articles that you can reference:

	The Record - The Countryside Line Made Waterloo Region Distinctive.  Soon It Will Be Gone”
	https://www.therecord.com/opinion/columnists/the-countryside-line-made-waterloo-region-distinctive-soon-it-will-be-gone/article_8a7c3fa5-9f9a-54ca-9e8b-ab19e26e88d1.html
	“In just two days last week, Premier Doug Ford wiped out our strongest tool to preserve farmland and natural areas, then came to Kitchener to tell us we can do whatever we choose.  Should we believe his words, or his actions?”

	The Record - Now We Need Greenbelt Status To Protect Our Water:
	https://www.therecord.com/opinion/columnists/now-we-need-greenbelt-status-to-protect-our-drinking-water/article_f46f7093-4369-59a5-8cde-13e1c5a24721.html

	The Record - The City Of Waterloo Believes In The Countryside Line:
	https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/the-city-of-waterloo-believes-in-the-country-side-line/article_31f943c0-ff4a-5de1-bfe3-904b547d09fe.html

	CityNews - The City Of Waterloo Has No Plans To Develop Past The Countryside Line:
	https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2024/04/16/the-city-of-waterloo-has-no-plans-to-develop-past-the-countryside-line/

	The Hamilton Spectator - Doug Ford Is Undermining Our Democracy And Our Climate:
	https://www.thespec.com/opinion/contributors/doug-ford-is-undermining-our-democracy-and-our-climate/article_5ee48c9b-15e8-5ca9-9fde-5ae93ff03e6a.html

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Province of Ontario

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, Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier - 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.or <mailto:mschreiner at ola.org>g or (519) 836-4190
New! - Aislinn Clancy - MPP Kitchener Centre - aclancy-co at ola.org <mailto:aclancy-co at ola.org> or 519-579-5460

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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