HIGHWAY 413 UPDATE

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TOSSED ASIDE

Hello from Think Turtle Conservation Initiative

We are incredibly disappointed and deeply concerned about the passing of Bill 212, the Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024. While it's framed as a way to ease traffic and speed up highway construction, mainly Highway 413, the reality is much darker. This bill bulldozes over essential safeguards, putting political agendas ahead of public and environmental well-being.

The Core Problem

Bill 212 isn't just about highways; it's about stripping away processes that protect our communities. It cuts corners, removes checks and balances, and centralizes power in a heavy-handed and reckless way, directly and indirectly affecting all Ontarian's, wildlife, and the environment.

What's at Stake

Here's what this bill does—and why it's so damaging:

Environmental Safeguards Tossed Aside

The bill eliminates the requirement for a full environmental assessment on Highway 413. This poses considerable environmental concerns as Highway 413 would run through critical species-at-risk habitats, cross waterways, and cut through sensitive farmland and forests on its way through suburbs north and west of Toronto. The government says it will conduct studies, but it also gave itself the power to withhold those findings from the public. Worse, construction can now start before those studies are even done.

Fast-Tracking Land Expropriation

The bill makes it easier for the government to seize private land for "priority projects." Property owners are given less time to leave their homes or businesses, forcing people out with little recourse.

Overriding Local Decisions

Municipal governments have effectively lost control. The province can now override local bylaws to allow 24/7 construction. It can do the same with future highway projects, shutting communities out of decisions directly affecting them.

Erasing Bike Lanes

The government has given itself the power to rip out bike lanes without consulting municipalities. Adding new bike lanes has been made far more difficult, with cities needing provincial approval for any changes that impact car lanes. This move undermines efforts to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and promote active transportation.

Cyclist Safety Dismissed

The province even added a clause shielding itself from lawsuits by injured cyclists or the families of cyclists killed on the road. This isn't just neglectful—it's cruel.

Environmental Appeal

An advocacy group with the support of so many has urged federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault to review a proposal that seeks to bypass a formal environmental assessment. Guilbeault is expected to provide his decision by January 19, 2025.

This request could reignite tensions between federal and provincial governments, reminiscent of the 2021 dispute over Highway 413. At that time, advocacy groups pushed for federal intervention, leading to a three-year halt on major project activities. This was a significant victory for community advocacy at the time, showing that our voices can make a difference. The federal government ultimately agreed to forego the review in favor of a collaborative approach through a Highway 413 working group. Now, all eyes are on Guilbeault as the deadline approaches. 

Why It Matters Everywhere

Even if your community isn't directly affected by Highway 413 or bike lanes, this bill sets a dangerous precedent. It sidelines environmental planning, rushes land expropriation, dismisses Indigenous consultation, and undermines individual property rights. These decisions don't just chip away at protections—they bulldoze them entirely.

Take Action 

If you have yet to sign a petition or send a letter opposing the provincial government's bypass of a proper environmental assessment, Environmental Defence has a link on its website. Stop Highway 413!

https://act.environmentaldefence.ca/page/135962/action/1

This isn't about solving traffic problems. It's about consolidating power and prioritizing short-term gains over the long-term health and safety of Ontario's people and environment. We should all be paying attention—because decisions like these affect every corner of the province.

Thank you to the Environmental Defence Team for launching this vital campaign that enables Ontarian's to have their voices heard as we strive to protect Ontario’s natural heritage for current and future generations.