The government has sent Bill 212, Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, to the Ontario Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy for review. Bill 212 would require municipalities to seek provincial approval to allow for the implementation of new bicycle lanes that remove a lane of car traffic.
The committee will be hearing testimonies from residents, stakeholders and experts on Monday, November 18 from 9:00AM – 10:00AM and 1:00PM – 6:00PM. This is your opportunity to let the provincial government know how you feel about this bill and its impact on active transportation lanes.
Step-by-step guide to comment on Bill 212:
Step 1:
To request to appear before the committee, or submit a written statement, go to https://www.ola.org/en/apply-committees and select Bill 212, Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, from the drop down menu. Click “Next Page”.
Step 2:
Where the screen asks you to choose an application you would like to submit, click either “Request to appear as a committee witness (with the option of submitting material)” or “Submit material only”. Click “Next Page”.
Step 3:
You will be asked to fill out your personal information, including whether you’re speaking on behalf of yourself, as a resident of Ontario, or an organization. Include any supporting documents, notes or presentations you’d like. When you’ve filled out all the relevant information click “Submit”.
Not everyone who applies to appear before the committee will be invited to do so. The committee clerk will inform you whether you’ve been selected or not. Presenters should have the option to delegate virtually to the committee.
Deadlines:
- Request to appear before the committee: November 8 at 5PM
- Written submissions due: November 18 at 7PM
You can also make your voice heard by leaving a comment on the Ontario Environmental Registry website here: https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-9266 or by signing our petition here: https://www.joelhardenmpp.ca/stay_in_your_lane
Please contact Ethan Smith-Johnson at [email protected] for any further questions or if you require assistance submitting a request.