<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div><div>Good Day,</div><div><br></div><div>A reminder that tomorrow (Friday, March 8th) at 5:30pm is our regular bi-weekly Update Meeting on Zoom. Join us to discuss the latest on Bill 162 - The Get It Done Act deadlines, the Schneiders Lands approval, new reports, and other updates:</div><div><br></div><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09">https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09</a> </div><div><br></div></div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;">Here’s the latest news:</div></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>1) Bill 162 - The Get It Done Act -</b></span> Bill 162 continues to raise concerns across the province. Numerous municipal staff reports are coming forward raising even more concerns. This bill will be particularly brutal for Halton Region and Waterloo Region that will see forced boundary expansions destroying Regional Official Plans and causing the unnecessary destruction of thousands of acres of irreplaceable farmland. The omnibus bill also includes changes to land expropriation and environmental reviews to facilitate highway construction that are very concerning along with Doug Ford’s attempt to block future carbon taxes.</div><div><br></div><div>There’s lots not to like about this Bill so please speak up through all of the following easy methods:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="http://leadnow.ca/">LeadNow.ca</a> Campaign - Stop Ford’s Latest Overeach - The Get It Done Act:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://act.leadnow.ca/getitdone-opposition/">https://act.leadnow.ca/getitdone-opposition/</a></div><div><br></div><div>Environmental Defence is urging citizens to use their simple calling tool to urge MPP’s to vote against the Get It Done Act:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Environmental Defence - The Get It Done Act Will Hit Waterloo and Halton Regions Hard:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://ca.engagingnetworks.app/page/email?mid=048f71fb903d4ca4bdd2869480712d45">https://ca.engagingnetworks.app/page/email?mid=048f71fb903d4ca4bdd2869480712d45</a></div><div><br></div><div>And we urge you to speak up on the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) as well as e-mail your MPP so there is a public record of concerns against this Act:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>ERO - Get It Done Act, 2024 - Amending the Official Plan Adjustments Act, 2023</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-8273">https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-8273</a></div><div><br></div>We only have until March 21st until the comment period on the ERO closes.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><b style="font-size: 14px;">2) Special Project *G -</b> The Narwhal announced more news about the Greenbelt Scandal yesterday with a new story outlining the extreme measures the provincial government went to for secrecy on the plan to open up parts of the Greenbelt including using code names, personal e-mail accounts, files that have been wrongly deleted, and other concerning issues that should give the RCMP even more to investigate:</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Narwhal - Special Project G*: Ontario Government Staff Used Code Name For Greenbelt Carveouts:</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://thenarwhal.ca/ontario-greenbelt-code-words/">https://thenarwhal.ca/ontario-greenbelt-code-words/</a></div><div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">Global News also reported that the Ford government considered the Greenbelt decision to be “medium” policy risk before the August and September of discontent in 2023:</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Global News - Government Considered Greenbelt “Medium” Risk:</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://globalnews.ca/news/10340749/ontario-greenbelt-medium-risk-documents/.">https://globalnews.ca/news/10340749/ontario-greenbelt-medium-risk-documents/</a></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><div><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>3) Schneider’s Land Donation - </b></span>It was fantastic to see Wilmot Township finally approve the ecological land severances, zoning changes, and Official Plan Amendments on Monday night that will finally allow the Schneider’s Land donation to the Rare Charitable Reserve proceed without the absurd requirement for a parking lot that would have been so challenging and damaging to construct. Thank you to the amazing team at the rare Charitable Reserve and everyone who spoke up to urge Wilmot Township to approve this donation in a more timely manner.</div><div><br></div><div>Unfortunately, Wilmot Councillors were unwilling to change any of the troubling proposed changes to area roads despite all of the concerns raised about illogical speed limits, the need to reduce heavy truck traffic on all area roads, the potentially quite dangerous new intersection being proposed at Wideman Road, and the considerable No Parking zones being created for kilometres in the area that will prevent people from being able to access many trails for winter skiing when parking is most needed.</div><div><br></div><div><div>Despite all the challenges from Wilmot Township, thankfully, the City of Waterloo will still be allowing parking along Wideman Road year-round that will permit the winter use of the cross-country ski trails to continue and to do everything they can to ensure the successful donation of the Schneider Lands.</div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div>There is still the need to develop a vision for this entire Laurel Creek Headwaters Environmentally Sensitive Landscape and Waterloo Moraine area in the years ahead to ensure that rapid growth doesn’t overwhelm this area with traffic on rural roads not suitable for large amounts of traffic, destroy natural areas, impact groundwater aquifers, etc. We will need to work together as a community to help find the optimal solutions to ensure the best balance of people and nature in the years ahead.</div><div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div>Here’s the latest media stories:</div><div><br></div></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>CBC - Wilmot Council Considers New Safety Report for Schneider Land Donation:</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/schneider-family-wilmot-council-land-donation-parking-1.7124052">https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/schneider-family-wilmot-council-land-donation-parking-1.7124052</a></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>CTV CKCO News - Council Recommends Rezoning Schneider Land To Facilitate Donation:</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/council-staff-recommends-rezoning-schneider-land-to-facilitate-donation-1.6789237">https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/council-staff-recommends-rezoning-schneider-land-to-facilitate-donation-1.6789237</a></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>CityNews - Schneider Family Land Donation Approved By Wilmot Council:</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2024/03/04/schneider-family-land-donation-approved-by-wilmot-council/">https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2024/03/04/schneider-family-land-donation-approved-by-wilmot-council/</a></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>CTV CKCO News - Wilmot Council Clears Major Roadblock in Schneider Land Donation:</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/wilmot-council-clears-major-roadblock-in-schneider-land-donation-1.6795060">https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/wilmot-council-clears-major-roadblock-in-schneider-land-donation-1.6795060</a></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br></div><div></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><div><b style="font-size: 14px;">4) Kitchener Inclusionary Zoning - </b>On March 18th, Kitchener City Council will vote on whether to require “Inclusionary Zoning”, which requires a portion of all new developments around iON Light rail stations to be affordable housing. Community support is needed to counter developer objections and ensure that this opportunity to see more than 800+ affordable homes built over the next 10 years. </div><div><br></div><div>Hal Jaeger and his team have been doing an incredible job of raising awareness and ensuring a strong community response but far more petition signatures are needed to show the broad level of support there is to better address our housing crisis. Please ensure that yourself and others have signed the petition at:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://stopsprawlwr.wixsite.com/inclusionaryzoning">https://stopsprawlwr.wixsite.com/inclusionaryzoning</a></div><div><br></div><div>Please also let Hal know if you can delegate or support other delegations at the March 18th Council Meeting at 519-341-6007 or <a href="mailto:hzjaeger@gmail.com">hzjaeger@gmail.com</a>.</div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br></div><div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><span style="caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42); color: rgb(38, 40, 42); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: 14px;">5) New Conservation Authority Regulations -</span> </b>Fatima Syed of the Narwhal summarizes the significant negative impact of the new regulations that came into force for Ontario's Conservation Authorities in the article below. The article includes this zinger: "The minister better staff up if he wants to tell us what to do," Tim Byrne, head of Essex Region Conservation Authority in-between Lake Erie and the Detroit River, told The Narwhal. "And as for overruling us or appealing our decisions, well f*ck you, minister. Based on what?</span><font color="#26282a">”. Even Ecojustice claims “it’s just going to cause chaos” as Conservation Authorities see their ability to ensure people and property is adequately protected further eroded.</font></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Narwhal - Ontario Weakens Watershed Protections (Again) As Natural Resources Minister Gets New Powers:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://thenarwhal.ca/ontario-conservation-authorities-changes/">https://thenarwhal.ca/ontario-conservation-authorities-changes/</a></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><b style="font-size: 14px;">6) Blueprint For More And Better Housing -</b> The Task Force For Housing and Climate headed by former Conservative Cabinet Minister Lisa Raitt, Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson as well as former Bank of Canada/England Governor Mark Carney has released their latest report “Blueprint For More And Better Housing” that states we need to build 5.8 million homes by 2030 that are affordable, sustainable, and resilient for climate change. Key aspects include the importance of where to build - avoiding sprawl and ensuring transit access, what we build - with better efficiency and better use of space, as well as how we build with better innovations, materials and processes. Most importantly it confirms that we can address both affordability and climate goals together.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">Download and read the report (also attached below as a PDF):</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://housingandclimate.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Blueprint-for-More-and-Better-Housing-Mar-2024-EN.pdf">https://housingandclimate.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Blueprint-for-More-and-Better-Housing-Mar-2024-EN.pdf</a></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">Read a great analysis by one of the authors:</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Cherise Burda - Building The Homes Canada Needs Doesn’t Have To Cost Us Our Climate Goals - Here’s How:</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.torontomu.ca/city-building/news-research/2024/03/housing-climate-task-force-blueprint/">https://www.torontomu.ca/city-building/news-research/2024/03/housing-climate-task-force-blueprint/</a></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><b style="font-size: 14px;">7) SC Johnson To Stay in Brantford - </b>Great news that SC Johnson has been able to find a solution to be able to remain in Brantford and won’t be forced to relocate because of a pending residential development being located in an industrial area making it almost impossible for them to continue plant operations. Learn more at:</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Brantford Expositor - Done Deal: SC Johnson Staying In Brantford:</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/news/local-news/done-deal-sc-johnson-staying-in-brantford">https://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/news/local-news/done-deal-sc-johnson-staying-in-brantford</a></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>City of Brantford - City Celebrates SC Johnson’s Continued Commitment To The Brantford Community:</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.brantford.ca/en/city-celebrates-sc-johnson-s-continued-commitment-to-the-brantford-community.aspx">https://www.brantford.ca/en/city-celebrates-sc-johnson-s-continued-commitment-to-the-brantford-community.aspx</a></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><b style="font-size: 14px;">8) Disturbing Changes Proposed for the Province's Municipal Environmental Assessment Requirements - </b> Please remember that we only have until March 17th to speak up about the egregious proposal to change the municipal environmental assessment requirements by allowing a slew of municipal construction projects to be exempt from the Municipal Comprehensive Environmental Assessment such as new pumping stations, expanding sewage treatment plants up to 25% of existing rate capacity, all municipal roads or new parking lots, reconstruction of bridges with or without cultural heritage value and the list goes on. </div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">The ERO posting can be found here: </div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-7891#supporting-materials" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-7891#supporting-materials</a></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><b style="font-size: 14px;">9) Recent Media -</b> Includes ongoing concerns about Doug Ford interfering with judicial appointments, Greenbelt investigations continuing, and how to boost housing affordability:</div></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br></div><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Global News - Chair of Ontario Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee Also Lobbying Government For US Gun Firm:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://globalnews.ca/news/10321561/ontario-jaac-chair-registered-lobby/">https://globalnews.ca/news/10321561/ontario-jaac-chair-registered-lobby/</a><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>TVO - The Anatomy Of A Bungled Press Conference:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/an-anatomy-of-a-bungled-press-conference">https://www.tvo.org/article/an-anatomy-of-a-bungled-press-conference</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Pointer - Greenbelt Scandal Far From Over, RCMP Investigation Continues:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://thepointer.com/article/2024-01-31/greenbelt-scandal-far-from-over-rcmp-investigation-continues-integrity-commissioner-review-underway-as-community-opposition-grows">https://thepointer.com/article/2024-01-31/greenbelt-scandal-far-from-over-rcmp-investigation-continues-integrity-commissioner-review-underway-as-community-opposition-grows</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Narwhal - Ontario To Cut Protections For Tiny Endangered Fish Found Along Route Of Highway #413:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://thenarwhal.ca/ontario-endangered-species-redside-dace-highway-413/">https://thenarwhal.ca/ontario-endangered-species-redside-dace-highway-413/</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>TVO - Want To Boost Housing Affordability? Then Start Thinking About Sewers:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/want-to-boost-housing-affordability-then-start-thinking-about-sewers">https://www.tvo.org/article/want-to-boost-housing-affordability-then-start-thinking-about-sewers</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Toronto Star - Judges Do Not Take Orders From Government. Ex-Chief Justices Ring Alarm Over Doug Ford Wanting Like-Minded Judges:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/judges-do-not-take-orders-from-government-ex-chief-justices-ring-alarm-over-doug-ford/article_122e2780-dbe7-11ee-9f18-4f31c21b35c6.html">https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/judges-do-not-take-orders-from-government-ex-chief-justices-ring-alarm-over-doug-ford/article_122e2780-dbe7-11ee-9f18-4f31c21b35c6.html</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b style="font-size: 14px;">10) 1.2 Million Pre-Construction Units In Pipeline -</b> Thanks to Laura for pointing out this new article showing more than 1.2 million pre-construction units in the pipeline across the GTHA showing that we certainly don’t need to be destroying the Greenbelt or building Highway #413 to reach a 1.5 million home target:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Urban Toronto - 1.2 Million Pre-Construction Units In The Pipeline Across The GTHA:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://urbantoronto.ca/news/2024/02/12-million-pre-construction-units-pipeline-across-gtha.55270">https://urbantoronto.ca/news/2024/02/12-million-pre-construction-units-pipeline-across-gtha.55270</a> </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>11) Wheels On The Bus -</b></span> A reminder about the great new report from Environmental Defence and Equiterre if you haven’t seen it yet that concludes the largest factor in the ability to reduce emissions is urban built form and the importance of the need to reduce sprawl while building transit ridership with frequent, fast public transit.</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Meeting Canada’s Climate Goals and Unlocking The Potential of Public Transit:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://environmentaldefence.ca/report/putting-wheels-on-the-bus-public-transit-policy-to-meet-canada-climate-goals/">https://environmentaldefence.ca/report/putting-wheels-on-the-bus-public-transit-policy-to-meet-canada-climate-goals/</a></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div><div><br></div><div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42); color: rgb(38, 40, 42); font-size: 14px;"><b>12) Concern Continues About Plans To Overrule the OEB </b>-</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42); color: rgb(38, 40, 42);"> Doug Ford wants you to pay more for heating and continues to push </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42); color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">the ironically named Keeping Energy Costs Down Act, Bill 165 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. </span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42); color: rgb(38, 40, 42);"><br></span></div><div>Tell Doug Ford and Energy Minister Todd Smith that Ontarians want affordable, green heating and to leave the Ontario Energy Board alone. We need to be banning natural gas and following other jurisdictions in prohibiting new connections - not overruling independent energy boards and forcing new connections on citizens for decades to come. Speak up and sign the online petition from <a href="http://leadnow.ca/">LeadNow.ca</a> at:</div><div><div><br></div></div><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Leadnow - Doug Ford Wants You To May More For Heating:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://act.leadnow.ca/oeb-mpp/">https://act.leadnow.ca/oeb-mpp/</a></div></div></div></div></div></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>13) Drought In Western Canada -</b></span> The multi-year drought in the Prairies continues as farmers sell off their herds:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>CBC - As Drought Persists On The Prairies, Some Farmers Are Selling Off Their Herds:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/prairies-drought-farmers-alberta-1.7134770">https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/prairies-drought-farmers-alberta-1.7134770</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>14) The Future of Farmland Forum -</b></span> 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:</div><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div><div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://ontariofarmlandtrust.ca/forum/">https://ontariofarmlandtrust.ca/forum/</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div><b style="font-size: 14px;">15) Reminder - Next Meeting</b><b><span style="font-size: 14px;"> -</span></b> Join us next <span dir="ltr">Friday, March 8th at 5:30pm</span> to discuss the latest news and what’s next:</div><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div><br></div><div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Topic: Grand River Watershed Bill 23 Bi-Weekly Zoom Meeting</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Time: Every Other <span dir="ltr">Friday at 5:30pm EST</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;"><br></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Join Zoom Meeting</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09">https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;"><br></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Meeting ID: <span dir="ltr">826 4469 5701</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span dir="ltr">Passcode: 713374</span></div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div>Thanks for all the great efforts so far - please share any questions or ideas.</div><div><div id="ydp9fa07544yiv0892781770yqtfd24641" class="ydp9fa07544yiv0892781770yqt1303954863"><br clear="none"><div dir="ltr"><div style="caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42); color: rgb(38, 40, 42);"><span class="ydp9fa07544yiv0892781770ydp8bacb94dyiv1865983000Apple-style-span">Cheers,</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42); color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">Kevin Thomason and Mike Marcolongo on behalf of all our community groups.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><br></div><div><b style="font-size: 14px;">-----------------------------------</b></div><div><div><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42); color: rgb(38, 40, 42);"><font style="font-size: 14px;">A) Upcoming Events</font></b></div><div><br></div></div><div><div><span dir="ltr">Friday, March 8th</span><b style="caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42); color: rgb(38, 40, 42);"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> <span dir="ltr">- 5:30pm</span> - Next update meeting on Zoom - </span><a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09" style="font-weight: 400;">https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09</a></b></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><br></div><div>The Future of Farmland Forum - Thursday, March 21st 9am to 5pm - <a href="https://ontariofarmlandtrust.ca/forum/">https://ontariofarmlandtrust.ca/forum/</a></div><div><br></div><div>ERO Deadline Municipal Environmental Assessment Requirements - Deadline - Sunday, March 17th - <a href="https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-7891">https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-7891</a></div><div><br></div><div>ERO Deadline Get It Done Act Amending the Official Plan Adjustments Act, 2024 - Deadline - Thursday, March 21st - <a href="https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-8273">https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-8273</a></div><div><br></div></div></div><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div>Guelph Climate Action Network - Saturday, April 6 - 1:30pm - Climate Solutions Screening Bookshelf Cinema - <a href="https://jamesgordon.ca/guelph-climate-action-network">https://jamesgordon.ca/guelph-climate-action-network</a> </div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><b style="font-size: 14px;">-----------------------------------</b></div></div></div></div><div><b style="font-size: 14px;">B) The Get It Done Act, 2024</b></div><div><b style="font-size: 14px;"><br></b></div><div></div></div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></body></html>