MPP Steve Clark says Bill 97 has nothing to do with proposed provisions to sever housing plots from agricultural lands.
On Monday, the president of the local Ontario Green Party chapter announced a protest outside Clark’s office, claiming the bill would destroy valuable farmland.
However, in a letter to the President and Vice President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture shared with Moose FM, Clark says the proposals are part of a different document called the “Provincial Planning Statement” (PPS).
“It is important to note that while the policies proposed for inclusion within the PPS were introduced at the same time as Bill 97, these proposals, which include the consultation on rural lot severances, are not legislative changes and therefore are not a part of Bill 97,” Clark says. “In other words, should the legislature choose to pass Bill 97 into law, the proposed PPS would not be affected or go into force as a result.”
He says the goal of the proposals is to “support farmers, their families and agricultural workers” by making it easier for kids to take over a farm or for retiring parents to live close by to help with succession.
“We understand that farming is often a multi-generational family enterprise,” Clark explains, “and our government has been asked by many farmers to offer practical support to them and their families by making it easier for the next generation to live and work in the same place where they grew up.”
Clark says the proposals are currently up for comment on the Environmental Registry of Ontario, an online platform where residents can share their thoughts on proposals that affect the environment.
Because of the feedback Clark and the Ford government have received towards the proposal, he says the deadline to comment on the PPS is being extended by sixty extra days, to August 4th.
“I trust this extended commentary period will give us the chance to work together to find a solution that continues to protect Ontario’s farmland while ensuring all Ontarians – including farmers – can find a home that meets their needs and budget,” he concludes.
You can learn more and leave a comment by visiting the Environmental Registry of Ontario.