Grant Deme photo
At Perth council’s recent committee meeting, Town planner Joanna Bowes presented her department’s view on 2 new pieces of Ontario legislation; Bill 5 Protecting Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy and Bill 17 Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter.
Council was united in their opposition to many of the acts’ effects on local decision making authority.
Councillor Gary Waterfield didn’t mince words in his opinion of the Acts.
While Councillor Jim Boldt stated he understood the Premier’s goals in introducing the legislation, he too was opposed to removing the oversight of local councils.
The committee voted to simply receive the report with no mention of supporting the legislation.
Smiths Falls council also expressed their concerns over Bill 17 at their own meeting this week.
Story by Brian Turner