Councillor wants comments made to province regarding Bill 5

Town council will be keeping an eye on the environment as it comments on a possible new provincial law.

According to a report from manager of planning services Chris Aspila, the Special Economic Zones Act, 2025 would allow the province “to designate special areas that are critical to Ontario’s economy and security, where selected projects could move faster as a result of simplified rules, faster approvals and one-window access to services.”

The province would have the power to designate zones through regulation if certain criteria are met, Aspila’s report stated. 

“A zone will be a geographic area that could include one or more projects of critical or strategic  importance. Zones could vary significantly in size, from a small parcel of land to a large area,” the report stated.

Councillor Molly Allaire had concerns with the proposed legislation.

“We’ve seen and I have seen first hand recently our residents really care about protecting our natural spaces and endangered species,” Allaire said Monday night. 

Allaire believed the province would have the “authority to overrule decisions that would protect the environment in favour of development. It also repeals the Endangered Species Act, 2007. That is huge!” 

The comment period lasts until May 17, Allaire pointed out. Comments can be submitted online via the Environmental Registry of Ontario website: https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/025-0391 or by e-mail at SpecialEconomicZones@Ontario.ca.

Council passed Allaire’s motion, directing administration to send a response to the comment period on Bill 5 in advance of the deadline provided by the province, identifying potential impacts and considerations in the town and any risks that could come with any changes.

Councillor Diane Pouget said the town “most definitely” needs new homes but there are agreements that have to be kept. She said the province “wants us to build homes on top of each other” and questioned the environmental impact.

“If we continue this way, in five years from now, people will say ‘what did they ever agree to’,” said Pouget. “I support this 100 per cent.”    Councillor Peter Courtney, who sits on the ERCA board with Allaire, said he was also concerned. He pointed out the correspondence from Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack about the Strong Mayor powers that was also on the agenda, as Flack granted the powers to Amherstburg despite the town being one of the municipalities asking to be removed from consideration.

Mayor Michael Prue said he doesn’t hold his breath when a motion is passed. He said he is not convinced nor does he want the public to think the town will be listened to. He said short time frames to comment suggest limited interest in what is being said. 

“We might as well step up and actually participate,” said Allaire. “If we just sit on our butts, what was the purpose of being elected?”

Councillor wants comments made to province regarding Bill 5

By Ron Giofu