Hansen Downer is the President of the Big Rideau Lakes Association.
Hansen Downer agrees with the intention of the provincial government’s Bill 5 proposal but takes issue with some of its content.
The bill would allow the province to designate “special economic zones” that fit criteria to be developed by cabinet.
The President of the Big Rideau Lakes Association (BRLA) is looking for some middle ground.
The BRLA represents 400 members and 1,500 cottages and homes across Rideau Lakes, Drummond/North Elmsley, and Tay Valley.
Bill 5 would also repeal the Endangered Species Act, and be replaced with The Species Conservation Act, 2025, which would allow the province to overrule scientific advice on which species should be listed as “at risk.”
Downer says that gives the province too much power.
Downer agrees with the intention of the bill but not its execution.
He proposes the bill is revised to exclude rural and lakefront communities.
Downer sent a letter to Leeds-Grenville Thousand Islands & Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark asking for the bill, which has passed second reading, to be reviewed, but hadn’t received a response as of Friday, May 16th.
Any government bill needs to pass three readings for it to become law.
Earlier last week, Township of Rideau Lakes council expressed their own concerns around the bill. Councillor Jeff Banks made a remark during the meeting about being unable to reach Clark.
Hear our full interview with Downer below.
Story by Grant Deme
