Simcoe County Historical Association

Preserving the Past, In the Present, For the Future

Response to Bill 23

Developers: 1 – Simcoe County Residents: 0

If you thought last year’s proposed growth plan and the push by developers to increase settlement areas, reduce agricultural land, build on wetlands, and ignore the impacts on our lakes and streams was outrageous, wait until you see what comes next!

Bill 23 announced 25 October, just after the municipal elections (and while most municipalities are in flux) amends 9 pieces of legislation and includes everything from the protection of our built heritage, the role of Conservation Authorities, the stripping of planning responsibilities from municipalities and the county, removes of some development fees which pay for local infrastructure, removes rental re-placement regulations and the list goes on.
No one argues the need for more affordable and attainable housing. No one argues the need for com-munities to offer a wide range of housing choices and options. But it simply does not make sense to strip the land and water that we all share for the convenience and, dare I say, profitability of developers.

The Architectural Conservancy Ontario’s ( https://acontario.ca/ ) latest media release states: “Bill 23 will make it practically impossible to protect most of Ontario’s identified heritage properties”. Further-more, the most minimal protection offered for properties currently “listed” (not designated) will be lost 2 years after this bill is in effect if the property is not “Designated”. Not only does this undermine the past efforts of the Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee members, it also does not create a single unit of affordable housing.

Organizations such as Environmental Defense ( https://environmentaldefence.ca/ ) and Simcoe County Greenbelt Coalition ( https://simcoecountygreenbelt.ca/ ) have already held webinars and/or issued press releases, etc. to raise the awareness of the impact these changes will have on our County, our homes and our environment.
The Ontario Association of Municipalities’ ( https://www.amo.on.ca/ ) recent update raised the concern of who is going to pay for the roads, sewer, and water infrastructure if development charges are no longer levied. Regardless of any source of government funding that might offset the costs, we are still the taxpayers that will eventually pay the price.

As an organization the Simcoe County Historical Association is proud of the heritage of Simcoe County. Our rural communities, heritage main streets, settler homes, lakes streams, open and wooded landscapes are what bring back memories and help us learn from our past. We encourage you to tap into the organizations listed above as a first step to learning more. But remember to contact your MPP by email or in person, write a letter to the editor, post, or comment on your social media platform.

Let us find a way to build homes that are truly affordable not just “pave paradise” and line the pockets of developers. Bill 23 must be withdrawn. There are better ways.

Simcoe County Historical Association Land Acknowledgement

In recognition of those who walked this land before us, Simcoe County Historical Association acknowledges that we gather on the ancestral
territory of the Anishinaabek Nations: the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Pottawatomi, who collectively are known as the Three Fires Confederacy. We remember
too the people of the Wendat who once made this land their home. We acknowledge with regret that in the past we have not lived in harmony
with the Indigenous People of Turtle Island and our relationship has not been one of true friendship based on honesty, generosity, and mutual respect.
Today we recognize the enduring presence of the people of the Chippawa Tri-Council: Beausoleil First Nation, Georgina Island First Nation, and Chippewas of Rama First Nations, as well as the people of the Métis Nation, the Inuit, and other First Nations who have chosen to make their
homes in this region. The members of the Simcoe County Historical Association recognize that we have much to learn from the history, culture, and teachings of the Indigenous Peoples with whom we now share this land. We are committed to nurturing a spirit of respect, honesty, and reconciliation with all our First Nations, Métis, and Inuit neighbours. Click Here for more info.