City of Vaughan holds public meeting on Bill 66

Mayor and Council committed to ensuring environmental protection remains central to city-building

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council held a Special Committee of the Whole Working Session on Jan. 17 to discuss the Ontario government’s draft Bill 66, Restoring Ontario’s Competitiveness Act, 2018.
 
This draft provincial legislation, which has not yet been passed into law, was first introduced in the Ontario Legislature on Dec. 6, 2018. On this same day, stakeholders, like the City of Vaughan, were given the opportunity to begin providing feedback about the details of the proposed bill and how it could impact the community. A deadline for submissions has been set for Jan. 20, 2019. 
 
During the meeting, Council discussed the City’s response to the Province’s request for input, which includes policy analysis that impacts the land-use planning process, economic development, intergovernmental relations and environmental stewardship, among other city-building issues. Council unanimously approved a motion that made clear that Council does not support Bill 66 in its present form and that further engagement is needed on the draft legislation. There continues to be a great need to protect the Oak Ridges Moraine and the lands in the Greenbelt, to reinforce the importance of public consultation, and to ensure any legislation adheres to the Clean Water Act and Vaughan’s Official Plan. 
 
Members of the public had the opportunity to share their ideas and speak directly to Mayor Bevilacqua and Council about the draft provincial legislation. Leading public comments reflected the need to ensure the local environment is protected, namely the Greenbelt and the Oak Ridges Moraine, along with ensuring ongoing public consultations about planning efforts. In the lead-up to the public meeting, residents were actively encouraged to submit, directly to the Ontario government, their own comments about the draft provincial legislation.
 
QUOTE
 
“I want to thank the thoughtful, committed and concerned citizens and ratepayer groups who took the time to share their important ideas and insights about the Ontario government’s proposed legislation. Bill 66, in its present form, is unacceptable. It does not reflect the will of Council and our community. As we look toward Vaughan’s promising future, we remain committed to ensuring we safeguard the health and well-being of our local environment for current and future generations to enjoy. We will continue to protect the Oak Ridges Moraine and the lands of the Greenbelt. Vaughan is a green city with a record on sustainability and stewardship that is second to none. The environment is at the heart of our city-building efforts. We recently opened phase one of the new 900-acre North Maple Regional Park. Once fully complete, Vaughan’s North Maple Regional Park will be larger than New York City’s very own Central Park. At the same time, we will continue with our efforts to strengthen the local economy in a responsible way for our rapidly growing, world-class city.”
-        Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua 
 
QUICK FACTS
 
  • Bill 66 is draft provincial legislation, first introduced in the Ontario Legislature on Dec. 6, 2018.
  • Comments on Bill 66 can be sent directly to the Ontario government. The submission due date for public comment is Jan. 20, 2019.

LEARN MORE

  • City of Vaughan staff report: Bill 66 – Restoring Ontario’s Competitiveness Act, 2018 – Legislative Review
  • Bill 66, Restoring Ontario’s Competitiveness Act, 2018
-30-