The Government of Ontario is on the attack with Bill 23 “More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022.”

On November 28th the Ontario Government passed Bill 23. This omnibus bill has been widely criticized and condemned by municipalities, community, environmental and conservation groups across the province. Bill 23 weakens environmental protections and public involvement in land use planning. It severely curtails the role of Conservation Authorities in land use planning and decision-making. It also threatens wetlands by changing the ways that wetlands get evaluated and designated for protection. Perhaps even more troubling is that it undermines democracy by removing requirements to notify members of the public about development plans and removing their right to appeal municipal decisions. Bill 23 also allows for over 7,400 acres of protected lands from the Greenbelt to be opened up for development.  GDA has been a vocal opponent to the bill as it stands.