The Ford government introduced Bill 23 which changes many of the City's planning rules. Read more about the bill and why I oppose it.
I want to provide you with an update on Bill 23, which changes many of the City's planning rules as well as opens up areas of the Greenbelt to development. I wrote about this Bill in my update last week - you can read it here. At the first meeting of City Council on Thursday, Council considered a report from City Staff on the impact that Bill 23 will have on our City if it's passed as currently written.
These impacts include:
At City Council there were a number of motions that were adopted unanimously including calling for the Bill not to be passed. City Council also unanimously supported my motion calling on the Province to not make any changes to the Rental Replacement By-Law, at least until the City can be sure that our ability to protect renters is maintained.
You can see the full City Council item here.
During the debate on Bill 23, Councillors attempted to discuss Bill 39, a different Bill that would allow the Mayor to pass a resolution through Council with the support of only 8 other Councillors. Those questions were ruled out of order by the Speaker. Council then voted on whether to uphold that ruling. I voted in favour of discussing Bill 39, but that motion was narrowly defeated 13 to 12.
Both Bills will greatly impact our City. You can read my full remarks to the Provincial Standing Committee on Bill 23 here.
Several advocacy groups are taking a stand against Bill 23. I encourage you to learn more and consider signing these petitions:
Councillor Fletcher calls on Metrolinx to stop endangering East Yorkers.
City Council adopts 2025 City Budget this week. Read my budget breakdown.
Councillor Fletcher calls for immediate review of safety measures after pedestrian hit by Ontario Line construction vehicle.
