Statement by Mayor Bevilacqua on Bill 66 changes
City and citizens
secure significant win to safeguard local environment
Yesterday
evening, the Ontario government announced it will not proceed with Schedule 10
of Bill 66, Restoring Ontario’s
Competitiveness Act, 2018. The following statement can be attributed to
Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua:
“After
consultation with residents and concerned citizens, the City of Vaughan recently
approved a motion that made clear we do not support Bill 66 in its present form.
Our message to the provincial government was clear – major flaws exist within
this legislation and further engagement and analysis is required. The
legislation, and specifically Schedule 10, did not reflect the will of Council
and our community.
“I am
pleased that the provincial government responded positively to our suggestions
and concerns by announcing it will not proceed with Schedule 10 of Bill 66. This
was the right decision. This is an important win for the citizens of Vaughan
and our Council.
“Vaughan
Council and our community believes there is a great need to continue to protect
the Oak Ridges Moraine and the lands that exist within the Greenbelt. We also strongly believe that public
consultation should be maintained under the proposed legislation, as we seek to
ensure it adheres to the Clean Water Act and Vaughan’s Official Plan.
“As we
look toward Vaughan’s promising future, we remain committed to safeguarding 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.
“At the
same time, we will continue our efforts to strengthen the local economy in a
responsible way for our rapidly growing city. Vaughan’s prosperity over the
past eight years has been tremendous. We continue to lead Ontario and Canada in
economic growth. Cranes tower over the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC) and
new and transformational investments continue to be attracted to our community including
the recent arrival of Niagara University to the VMC, Vaughan’s first-ever
university.
“As the
revised Bill 66 continues to be debated by the Ontario Legislature, we remain
committed to ensuring that any further changes to the legislation reflect the
shared values of Vaughan families, businesses and all citizens.
“Let me
once again express my sincerest gratitude to the thoughtful, committed and concerned
residents who took the time to share their important ideas and insights about
the Ontario government’s proposed legislation.”
*Check against delivery
QUICK FACTS
- Bill 66 is draft provincial legislation first introduced in the Ontario Legislature on Dec. 6, 2018.
LEARN MORE
- City of Vaughan staff report: Bill 66 – Restoring Ontario’s Competitiveness Act, 2018 – Legislative Review
-30-