2022-11-29 - FORD GOVERNMENT PASSES BILL 23

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 29, 2022

FORD GOVERNMENT PASSES BILL 23 – IGNORING DECADES OF LOCAL SCIENCE-BASED EXPERTISE AND LEADERSHIP

On Monday, the Provincial Government went ahead and passed Bill 23 – More Homes Built Faster Act despite public outcry and commenting periods still accepting submissions. The Bill aims to build 1.5 million homes in Ontario over the next 10 years and to do so, has made protected lands, such as the Green Belt, and important natural heritage features such as wetlands, woodlands, and farmland open for development. The Bill itself limits the protection measures put in place by Conservation Authorities throughout the province to restrict or limit development on lands that are unsafe to sustain buildings and infrastructure. Without the specialized guidance from Conservation Authorities, Municipalities will be pressured to allow development in areas which have the potential to put their residents at risk from flooding. They will also be required to supply watermains and other amenities to these new developments which could raise municipal taxes for residents.

Brad McNevin, CAO says, “To be blunt, we were devastated to hear that the Ford Government went ahead with this Bill, and I strongly hope that the Province will include Conservation Authorities and municipal leaders in the discussion process.”

In 2018, with the Ford Government’s start in office, they made significant changes to the Conservation Authorities Act which included drastically reducing funding, forcing municipal agreements, and limiting their responsibilities to the core mandate of protecting people and property through flood mitigation and natural hazard protection. Bill 23 directly undermines the core mandate by allowing development on lands which have been identified as significant protected areas because of the risk they pose to the safety of communities. In addition, after success in establishing memorandums of understanding, they are now preventing Conservation Authorities from partnering with Municipalities for the delivery of programs and services that benefit watershed residents.

McNevin adds, “The Quinte Watershed contains many wetlands, of which one hundred are Provincially Significant, and they all play a vital role in storing atmospheric carbon and support groundwater recharge which helps to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Bill 23 has reduced that Provincially Significant Wetland number to one. That means wetlands, which also contribute to offsetting water and reducing flooding, improving overall ground and surface water quality, and providing a home to Ontario’s important species (many of which are at risk) could now be targeted for development. As an environmental scientist and someone who has spent my entire career working to make sure these areas are looked after, it is disheartening to know the Ford Conservative Government is making these decisions without consultation from experts.”

Conservation Authorities and municipal partners want to help the government meet its housing goal in a sustainable and responsible way - but not at the cost of seriously damaging the environment which would contribute to issues with water quality, public safety, increased taxes, and a higher demand for new infrastructure and maintenance.

McNevin says, “We are certainly very thankful to our Municipal Council Members for their support. Not only have they expressed concerns at their council meetings, but they have also supported a letter outlining concerns, as well, Quinte Conservation Board Members have been actively participating in discussions surrounding this Bill.”

To avoid unintended consequences, Quinte Conservation recommends the Bill be rescinded. Concerned members of the public can have their voices heard by contacting their local MPP’s office, engaging in discussions online, and adding signatures to the various petitions that are available.

Quinte Conservation is a community-based environmental protection agency. It serves 18 municipalities in the watersheds of the Moira, Napanee and Salmon Rivers and Prince Edward County. It provides cost-effective environmental expertise and leadership. Quinte Conservation’s main goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem where people and nature live in harmony. More information about Quinte Conservation is available at www.quinteconservation.ca.

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For more information contact:
Brad McNevin, CAO
(613) 968-3434