TORONTO — Ontario tabled its first bill of the fall legislative sitting on Monday, in a bid to give the province veto power over some bike lanes, accelerate highway construction projects and ease environmental assessments for new highways.
The province is also trying to give itself power through regulation to remove existing bike lanes, although it's not clear how that process will work.
Last week, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario slammed the province for the proposed change, calling it a"significant overreach" of power. In its overall bid to ease gridlock, the bill also seeks to facilitate construction 24 hours a day and accelerate property acquisitions. "We're very committed to getting this done and won't let anything stand in the way of that," Sarkaria said."We continue to have some of the most rigorous environmental standards put forward on this project," Sarkaria said."They are still moving forward."Killing the environmental assessment for the project is"completely irresponsible and reckless," said Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner.
The legislation undermines transit and cycling infrastructure that is proven to reduce congestion and lower emissions, advocacy group Environmental Defence said.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Ontario legislature is back MondayToronto, Ontario,(David Donnelly/CBC), June 2014, Queen's Park, Summer, Exterior, Ontario Legislative Building,
Read more »
Toronto Woman Faces Multiple Murder Charges in Three Deaths Across Southern OntarioA 30-year-old Toronto woman is facing multiple murder charges after three deaths that occurred within three days this week in Toronto, Hamilton and Niagara Falls. Police say the suspect was arrested in Burlington, Ont., and has been charged with first-degree murder in the Hamilton death and second-degree murder in the Toronto and Niagara investigations.
Read more »
Ontario Premier Condemns Toronto School Board Over Pro-Palestinian Rally Field TripOntario Premier Doug Ford has criticized the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) for organizing a field trip last week where students were allegedly seen marching alongside pro-Palestinian protesters. Ford called the trip 'ridiculous' and demanded accountability, stating that students should be in class learning instead of being exposed to political rallies.
Read more »
$20 million Toronto home was designed by same architect as Ontario Place and Eaton CentreOriginally crafted by the late architect Eberhard Zeidler, the mind behind the Eaton Centre and Ontario Place, 11 Beaumont Rd. is already an iconic h…
Read more »
Toronto police say they’ll get a lift from Ontario’s helicopter purchaseThe Toronto Police Service (TPS) and Ontario government are touting the benefits of adding eyes in the skies with a new helicopter purchase from the province, but it’s not yet clear when the new chopper will arrive.
Read more »
Northern lights dazzle Toronto and southern OntarioA rare sight for southern Ontario, CBC reporters captured photos Thursday night’s brilliant light show in and around Toronto.
Read more »