Citizens groups across Ontario are up in arms about Bill 66, introduced in the Legislature on December 6th. Here’s what you need to know about this controversial bill:
1. It affects every municipality in Ontario. Bill 66 allows municipalities across the province to create “open-for-business by-laws” that would trump critical legal requirements to protect water, natural heritage, farmland and human health and well-being. These by-laws would take precedence over municipal official plans.
2. It threatens drinking water across Ontario. Open-for-business by-laws would override policies in approved source protection plans intended to protect existing and future sources of municipal drinking water from threats such as landfills, sewage systems and improper handling of fuel, manure and pesticides.
3. It threatens wetlands, woodlands and habitat for species at risk across Ontario. Open-for-business by-laws would circumvent protections for these important habitats and species set out in the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) under the Planning Act.
4. It threatens farmland across Ontario. Open-for-business by-laws would bypass agricultural protections set out, for example, in the PPS. This could lead to more urban sprawl.
5. It threatens two million acres of natural areas and farmland across the Greenbelt. Open-for-business by-laws would override protections for natural heritage and farmland set out in the Greenbelt Plan and the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan.
6. It threatens fresh water and the ecological health of the Lake Simcoe watershed. Open-for-business bylaws would trump requirements set out in the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan.
7. It would undermine efforts to make Ontario communities more livable, sustainable and resilient. Open-for-business by-laws would override PPS policies supporting active transportation, affordable housing, green infrastructure and climate resiliency.
8. It would compromise transparency and public engagement. Contrary to current legal requirements (Planning Act, Clean Water Act), the by-laws could be passed without any prior public notice, behind closed doors.
9. It would leave citizens without recourse. Community members would not be able to appeal open-for-business by-laws to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal.
10. It threatens human and wildlife health through increased exposure to toxic chemicals. Bill 66 proposes to repeal the Toxics Reduction Act, which requires certain industrial facilities to consider ways to reduce the use and emission of toxic chemicals in their operations.
In a nutshell, Bill 66 would turn back the clock on many years of good planning, community input and strong leadership from governments of all political stripes. It would sidestep laws and policies intended to protect the long-term health and resilience of our communities and would facilitate sprawling and unchecked development, threatening sensitive natural features and water resources upon which we all rely.
Caroline has directed Ontario Nature’s programs and operations since 2005. Previously she served as conservation director for the Canadian Nature Federation for 10 years, leading the organization’s national advocacy, science and stewardship programs.
Bill 66 means going back to the old days….were no/little protection for the environment was considered. Now days everybody knows that climate change is real. Canada still has a good portion of the land in decent shape compare with other parts of the world. The Walkerton water case on water contamination should never re-occur, drinking water is the blue gold of Canada it should be protected no discussion about it. These protections to the environment are absolutely necessary for a healthy future and shouldn’t be eliminated in the name of corporate greed. There are better ways to address the new developments eg. green developments….sustainability….green energy…..and more.
I disagree with Bill 66 because it will cause a variety of negative impacts on us and the environment. It will have major effects on drinking water across Ontario because there will no longer be protection against threats such as landfills, sewage systems, fuel, manure, and pesticides. Aside from drinking water, it would have a major impact on aquatic ecosystems.
The bill also threatens wetlands, woodlands, farmland, natural areas, and habitat for species at risk across Ontario. The fact that it threatens the habitat for species at risk in Ontario should be enough alone to not let the bill pass. Species at risk in Ontario will eventually become extirpated due to being threatened instead of being protected. The loss of farmlands will have a huge effect on the economy due to all of the jobs that are lost.
Therefore I disagree with Bill 66 because it will cause more harm to the environment and the economy then it will good.
I am extremely disappointed in the lack of care that the government has showed regarding the environment. Canada is one of the most beautiful and diverse/ unique countries in the world and it has become apparent that our leaders can not see that.
I am a student at an environmental college and it was heart breaking to hear that the number one cause of decreasing populations is habitat degradation. Not only will this bill lessen the effect of the Species at Risk Act (Clean Water Act and more laws put in place to protect our earth), but it makes these animals situation worse. There are beautiful creatures in this province that will no longer be on our earth if this bill goes through.
Once a forest or wetland is cut down or back filled the land will never be the same.
I just sent a e-mail to the North Bay Chamber of Commerce expressing my out rage at their proposed positive vote for this Casino development, MY family and some friends were planning on visiting North Bay but no longer. We were planning on 2-3 weeks in the area. We do not want to support a town that would allow this to happen, if they are so keen of this project there must be other area’s to consider?…..So much for North Bay.
There are ways to run a successful business and a prosperous economy without jeopardising our natural wealth and long-term health. As the saying goes, if we want to go fast we can go alone, but if we want to go far we must go together. That means caring for our children’s children 7 generations down, as the One Dish One Spoon teaching asks.
Why would you damage the fresh air , water, farming land wetland for the birds and animals????? We need the wetlands to keep the area clean and fresh and for our agriculture. Where do you think you will get your food from Ontario if you destroy the land.?? Go some where else to build your housing.
There are many of us Canadians, who believe in protecting our lands, water and wild creatures [including migrating birds].
We must all stand up and prevent the passing of Schedule 10 in Bill 66.
l lived in Richmond Hill for 25 years between year2000 and 2012.I remember how controversial it was when they created the Greenbelt.
Environmentalists were pleased that the home builders and real estate companies could no longer bulldoze their agenda across wetlands and good agricultural land.The government had listened to the educated citizens and put strong laws in place for the future generations!,,!!
Future means forever not a couple of decades.I own a cottage in Land of Lakes at Arden Ont.Our beautiful Big Clear Lake is a gem as all the other lakes in our region.I am so worried about the repercussions of Bill 66.
Linking your good points to the sections of the Bill that specifically represent the threat you mention will go a long way to adding credibility to your position. Most do not have the time or skill to read the Bill, but you did, Thanks!
Thank you for the clarity. One thing I am curious about, does this proposed bill prevent farmers from selling their land for building lots? I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank you for informing us of this ludicrous ideology. The proposed dump of Toronto’s garbage in the Beachville area threatens our air, water and the next generation. This bill was made for Politicians who don’t consider circular economies as a possible alternative .
We only have one world. Can we not see how much damage we have done in a little over 100 years of industrialization. We need the protections that have been put in place. Open for business is just another way of saying Open for greed and destruction. Ask the people who are struggling with health issues after working for GE in Peterborough or the people affected by Walkerton about cutting back regulation and oversight.
Great points – well done. I think one-pagers are important. If something is too long, people don’t read it.
Here is a another. I have submitted the following as a letter to the editor to The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, the Waterloo Region Record, the New Hamburg Independent, Cambridge Times and the Woolwich Observer. It is a bit long, so may not get printed. Please feel free to use it or pass it along if you think it would be useful.
To: The people of Ontario:
Your property’s liveability is at risk!
Property owners upstream or upwind from you are about to be allowed to develop their lands, to pollute your air and/or water supply without any ability for you to stop them. An industrial plant, a toxic chemical factory that dumps waste into local rivers, a manufacturer that extracts huge amounts of groundwater or perhaps even a housing development could be built on productive farmland, on wetlands or other environmentally sensitive land near where you live under the proposed provincial Bill 66.
Planning and environmental regulations (such as the Clean Water Act which was created as a result of Walkerton) can be ignored under the provisions of the proposed Ontario government’s Bill 66, section 10 (introduced on the last day of the legislature in December). Municipal governments will be under great pressure to allow projects to proceed without review, as conducting assessments and following regulations is deemed “unnecessary red tape” by many developers.
No public consultation, notice or meetings are required under Bill 66. If a project is approved, there will be no appeal process allowed and no ability for recourse, no matter how flawed the original decision.
The only criteria for approval is that a project creates jobs at least 50 jobs, no matter how many jobs or livelihoods are destroyed as a consequence.
Is this acceptable to you? Is this what you want the Ontario PC government to do? If not, call or visit your MPP to state your concerns about section 10 Planning Act revisions of Bill 66. Let your municipal representatives know how you feel. Sign a petition.
If Bill 66 is passed without amendment, the consequences for YOU could be devastating. We need to ensure that our environment is protected for the welfare of everyone and for future generations.
This is a document that every citizen of Ontario must read and understand what kind of threat to our environment and to the lives of the people who live in this province this misguided Bill 66 will be if enacted.
Bill 66 means going back to the old days….were no/little protection for the environment was considered. Now days everybody knows that climate change is real. Canada still has a good portion of the land in decent shape compare with other parts of the world. The Walkerton water case on water contamination should never re-occur, drinking water is the blue gold of Canada it should be protected no discussion about it. These protections to the environment are absolutely necessary for a healthy future and shouldn’t be eliminated in the name of corporate greed. There are better ways to address the new developments eg. green developments….sustainability….green energy…..and more.
I disagree with Bill 66 because it will cause a variety of negative impacts on us and the environment. It will have major effects on drinking water across Ontario because there will no longer be protection against threats such as landfills, sewage systems, fuel, manure, and pesticides. Aside from drinking water, it would have a major impact on aquatic ecosystems.
The bill also threatens wetlands, woodlands, farmland, natural areas, and habitat for species at risk across Ontario. The fact that it threatens the habitat for species at risk in Ontario should be enough alone to not let the bill pass. Species at risk in Ontario will eventually become extirpated due to being threatened instead of being protected. The loss of farmlands will have a huge effect on the economy due to all of the jobs that are lost.
Therefore I disagree with Bill 66 because it will cause more harm to the environment and the economy then it will good.
I am extremely disappointed in the lack of care that the government has showed regarding the environment. Canada is one of the most beautiful and diverse/ unique countries in the world and it has become apparent that our leaders can not see that.
I am a student at an environmental college and it was heart breaking to hear that the number one cause of decreasing populations is habitat degradation. Not only will this bill lessen the effect of the Species at Risk Act (Clean Water Act and more laws put in place to protect our earth), but it makes these animals situation worse. There are beautiful creatures in this province that will no longer be on our earth if this bill goes through.
Once a forest or wetland is cut down or back filled the land will never be the same.
I just sent a e-mail to the North Bay Chamber of Commerce expressing my out rage at their proposed positive vote for this Casino development, MY family and some friends were planning on visiting North Bay but no longer. We were planning on 2-3 weeks in the area. We do not want to support a town that would allow this to happen, if they are so keen of this project there must be other area’s to consider?…..So much for North Bay.
Just STOP disrespecting the enviroment.! Or bad things WILL happen.
There are ways to run a successful business and a prosperous economy without jeopardising our natural wealth and long-term health. As the saying goes, if we want to go fast we can go alone, but if we want to go far we must go together. That means caring for our children’s children 7 generations down, as the One Dish One Spoon teaching asks.
Why would you damage the fresh air , water, farming land wetland for the birds and animals????? We need the wetlands to keep the area clean and fresh and for our agriculture. Where do you think you will get your food from Ontario if you destroy the land.?? Go some where else to build your housing.
Andrew Wilson:
Well written. Thank you
There are many of us Canadians, who believe in protecting our lands, water and wild creatures [including migrating birds].
We must all stand up and prevent the passing of Schedule 10 in Bill 66.
It speaks for its self….miigwetch
My family has visited the Thousand Islands since the 1970s. I sincerely hope that this bill can be stopped.
Ursula Rhodes
l lived in Richmond Hill for 25 years between year2000 and 2012.I remember how controversial it was when they created the Greenbelt.
Environmentalists were pleased that the home builders and real estate companies could no longer bulldoze their agenda across wetlands and good agricultural land.The government had listened to the educated citizens and put strong laws in place for the future generations!,,!!
Future means forever not a couple of decades.I own a cottage in Land of Lakes at Arden Ont.Our beautiful Big Clear Lake is a gem as all the other lakes in our region.I am so worried about the repercussions of Bill 66.
Linking your good points to the sections of the Bill that specifically represent the threat you mention will go a long way to adding credibility to your position. Most do not have the time or skill to read the Bill, but you did, Thanks!
Thank you for the clarity. One thing I am curious about, does this proposed bill prevent farmers from selling their land for building lots? I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank you for informing us of this ludicrous ideology. The proposed dump of Toronto’s garbage in the Beachville area threatens our air, water and the next generation. This bill was made for Politicians who don’t consider circular economies as a possible alternative .
We only have one world. Can we not see how much damage we have done in a little over 100 years of industrialization. We need the protections that have been put in place. Open for business is just another way of saying Open for greed and destruction. Ask the people who are struggling with health issues after working for GE in Peterborough or the people affected by Walkerton about cutting back regulation and oversight.
Who introduced Bill 66? Main reason why he/she introduced it?
We need to make every effort to protect the natural world.
We cannot continue to abuse the wonderful gifts of nature without jeopardizing our future. Where is your human conscience?
Great points – well done. I think one-pagers are important. If something is too long, people don’t read it.
Here is a another. I have submitted the following as a letter to the editor to The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, the Waterloo Region Record, the New Hamburg Independent, Cambridge Times and the Woolwich Observer. It is a bit long, so may not get printed. Please feel free to use it or pass it along if you think it would be useful.
To: The people of Ontario:
Your property’s liveability is at risk!
Property owners upstream or upwind from you are about to be allowed to develop their lands, to pollute your air and/or water supply without any ability for you to stop them. An industrial plant, a toxic chemical factory that dumps waste into local rivers, a manufacturer that extracts huge amounts of groundwater or perhaps even a housing development could be built on productive farmland, on wetlands or other environmentally sensitive land near where you live under the proposed provincial Bill 66.
Planning and environmental regulations (such as the Clean Water Act which was created as a result of Walkerton) can be ignored under the provisions of the proposed Ontario government’s Bill 66, section 10 (introduced on the last day of the legislature in December). Municipal governments will be under great pressure to allow projects to proceed without review, as conducting assessments and following regulations is deemed “unnecessary red tape” by many developers.
No public consultation, notice or meetings are required under Bill 66. If a project is approved, there will be no appeal process allowed and no ability for recourse, no matter how flawed the original decision.
The only criteria for approval is that a project creates jobs at least 50 jobs, no matter how many jobs or livelihoods are destroyed as a consequence.
Is this acceptable to you? Is this what you want the Ontario PC government to do? If not, call or visit your MPP to state your concerns about section 10 Planning Act revisions of Bill 66. Let your municipal representatives know how you feel. Sign a petition.
If Bill 66 is passed without amendment, the consequences for YOU could be devastating. We need to ensure that our environment is protected for the welfare of everyone and for future generations.
This is a document that every citizen of Ontario must read and understand what kind of threat to our environment and to the lives of the people who live in this province this misguided Bill 66 will be if enacted.
This is a very concerning proposition, to threaten farmland, fresh water in our beautiful province. We need to be stewarts of our natural resources.
Well written blog Caroline.
Regards,
Brian