Tag: #stopbill23

Climate groups in Parry Sound Muskoka sit down face to face with MPP Graydon Smith

Len Ring

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

Jan. 26, 2023 – PARRY SOUND MUSKOKA – Climate groups in Parry Sound-Muskoka had an opportunity to sit down face-to-face with MPP Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, on Jan. 19 following an unsuccessful attempt to do so in December. The meeting was cordial and covered a wide range of issues related to Bill 23 and its climate implications. 

The four representatives from Climate Action Muskoka (CAM), Almaguin Climate Action (ACA), and Climate Action Parry Sound (CAPS) reminded the Minister, that they represent constituents from all over the riding. They raised concerns about Bill 23’s impact on delivery of municipal Climate Action Plans; the importance of “protecting what protects us” through preservation of wetland systems, forest ecosystems, natural infrastructure; and the importance of shoreline site control protections to the future of our lakes and our drinking water. 

They spoke about food security and the Greenbelt “offset”; the inadequacy of the “80% of market value” equation to determine “affordability”; and the appalling climate and economic choice of expanding gas plants and infrastructure in the riding and across Ontario. 

The group also left Smith with a list of questions to which they have requested answers; and a list of solutions which will address the housing crisis and the climate crisis together, without reverting to urban and rural sprawl and highways.  

Smith heard the group out and said he would take the concerns back to Queen’s Park for discussion by the Caucus and suggested a future meeting with the climate groups. 

Read full meeting notes and written submission provided to the Minister.

BILL 23 MUST GO.

CAM

MUSKOKA/ALMAGUIN: Climate Action Muskoka (CAM) and Almaguin Climate Action (ACA) have a message for Parry Sound Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry: BILL 23 MUST GO. The ‘More Homes Built Faster Act’ harms wetlands, harms forests and farmlands, harms affordable housing, harms local government and harms democracy.  

“We expect our elected MPP to protect our communities’ interests and to protect Ontario’s natural resources and forests,” says CAM spokesperson, Tamsen Tillson. “We are calling on him to do the right thing and fight like hell to get the bill rescinded.” 

CAM and ACA are bringing a collective message to MPP Smith next Friday, December 9 in a Travelling Climate Rally from parts north and south in the riding. Bill 23 must be repealed to protect the biosphere, to allow municipalities to take climate action, and to ensure that citizens have a say in the future of their communities. 

“Bill 23 represents a massive assault by the Ontario government on biosphere protections, Indigenous and Treaty rights, municipalities, public consultation rights, climate decision-making, and downloads private developers’ costs onto municipal taxpayers,” Sue McKenzie of CAM says. “We invite all concerned citizens and municipal representatives to join this event.” 

You can join all or part of the Travelling Climate Rally as we come together from Sundridge (Post Office 9:30am), Burk’s Falls (Post Office 10:15am), Huntsville (Town Hall 11:15am), continuing on to Bracebridge (Memorial Park 12:20pm), and finally walk to Smith’s Bracebridge constituency office (230 Manitoba Street). If you are coming from South Muskoka, meet at Gull Lake Park in Gravenhurst at 11:45pm to travel to Bracebridge to join the northern group there. Bring a sign and your personal written letter to our MPP. 

Members of the group will hand deliver our personal letters to Smith. Everyone is welcome to join the Rally at any point along the route.  If you cannot join the event, email your letter or give your letter to someone who can attend. 

The event is organized by Climate Action Muskoka (CAM) and Almaguin Climate Action (ACA) The two groups have requested a joint meeting with MPP Smith. #RepealBill23 For more information: climateactionmuskoka@gmail.com