Dear Editor:
I’m proud to live in a democratic country, but lately, the Ford government has made me question the political ideals we hold dear. Under the guise of creating affordable housing, Bill 23 “More Homes Built Faster” undermines the public, the environment, and the future.
There are already existing plans to create affordable housing designated in areas that will not irrevocably harm the environment on which we depend. There is more than enough land earmarked for development for the next 20 years.
Thirteen times more gravel is mined in Ontario than the province uses. But Bill 23 promotes more extraction, urban sprawl, more commuter traffic, and pollution without protection.
Bill 23 favours private over public interests and smacks of cronyism.
I am disturbed that these plans ignore the climate crisis entirely. They are financially and emotionally disastrous because they will contribute to increased weather disturbances … floods, fires, landslides, sink holes, tornados, drought. The Ontario Conservatives, by supporting this plan, will be instrumental in loss of housing due to disasters they will have helped cause.
We don’t have to choose between housing and the environment. These plans are unacceptable. Instead of more homes built faster, we need more planning done smarter and with long-term ideals. Indigenous cultures project their planning into the seventh generation. The question is, do we want a future for our children and their children’s children?
Happily, we still have the freedom to protest decisions that are dangerous and detrimental to our health and happiness, but if Bill 23 is passed, residents and conservation groups will lose their right to appeal municipal decisions that undermine community and environment. Doesn’t sound like a democracy to me!
Wendy Agnew,
Wellington North