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Ontario Assembly Bill

Ontario Bill 111

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
May 17, 2023
No More Pits or Quarries in the Greenbelt Act, 2023
  • This is a law called Bill 111, which is an amendment to the Greenbelt Act in Ontario. The purpose of this amendment is to prohibit the establishment of new pits and quarries in the Greenbelt Area, as well as the expansion of existing ones. The Greenbelt Plan will now officially prevent anyone from applying for permits to operate new pits or quarries, or expanding the ones already in operation in the Greenbelt Area. This law will go into effect as soon as it receives Royal Assent and is titled the No More Pits or Quarries in the Greenbelt Act, 2023.
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • One possible steelman argument in favor of Bill 111 2023, the No More Pits or Quarries in the Greenbelt Act, is as follows: The Greenbelt Act, 2005 was enacted to protect and preserve the natural environment, agricultural lands, and water resources in the Greenbelt Area of Ontario. The proposed amendment to the Act, which prohibits the establishment of new pits and quarries in the Greenbelt Area, aligns with the original intent of the legislation. By prohibiting the creation of new pits and quarries, the amendment aims to prevent further disruption to the natural landscape and the potential negative impacts on the environment. Pits and quarries can lead to deforestation, habitat destruction, and soil erosion, which can have long-lasting consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem health. Additionally, the amendment recognizes the importance of preserving agricultural lands within the Greenbelt Area. Pits and quarries can encroach on valuable farmland, reducing the availability of fertile soil for food production. By prohibiting their establishment, the amendment helps safeguard the agricultural sector and supports sustainable food production. Furthermore, the amendment promotes responsible resource management. The Greenbelt Area is already home to existing pits and quarries, and the amendment prevents their expansion. This limitation ensures that the extraction of aggregates is carried out in a controlled and sustainable manner, minimizing the potential negative impacts on the environment and nearby communities. Overall, the No More Pits or Quarries in the Greenbelt Act, 2023, through its prohibition on new pits and quarries and restrictions on expansion, seeks to protect the natural environment, preserve agricultural lands, and promote responsible resource management in the Greenbelt Area. By doing so, it upholds the original intent of the Greenbelt Act, 2005, and contributes to the long-term sustainability and well-being of the region.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Steelman Argument Opposing Bill 111 2023: While the intention behind Bill 111 2023 may be to protect the environment and preserve the Greenbelt Area, there are several right-wing anti-government talking points that can be used to argue against this legislation. 1. Government Overreach: This bill represents yet another instance of government overreach into the private sector. By prohibiting the establishment and expansion of pits and quarries in the Greenbelt Area, the government is limiting the economic opportunities for businesses and individuals in the region. It is not the government's role to dictate where and how businesses operate, especially when it comes to industries that contribute to the local economy. 2. Job Losses: The prohibition on pits and quarries in the Greenbelt Area will inevitably lead to job losses. These industries provide employment opportunities for many individuals, particularly in rural areas where alternative job prospects may be limited. By restricting these industries, the government is jeopardizing the livelihoods of hardworking individuals and their families. 3. Economic Impact: Pits and quarries play a crucial role in the construction and infrastructure sectors. By limiting their establishment and expansion, the government is hindering economic growth and development. The Greenbelt Area could benefit from the economic activity generated by these industries, including increased tax revenue and investment in local communities. 4. Property Rights: This bill infringes upon the property rights of landowners in the Greenbelt Area. Landowners should have the freedom to use their property as they see fit, as long as it does not harm others or the environment. By prohibiting pits and quarries, the government is devaluing the land and limiting the potential uses and economic benefits that landowners can derive from their properties. 5. Alternative Solutions: Instead of outright prohibition, the government should focus on implementing regulations and guidelines to ensure responsible and sustainable practices in the pits and quarries industry. This would allow for the continued operation of these businesses while also addressing environmental concerns. By working collaboratively with industry stakeholders, the government can strike a balance between economic growth and environmental protection. In summary, while the intention behind Bill 111 2023 may be noble, it represents government overreach, threatens job opportunities, hampers economic growth, infringes upon property rights, and fails to consider alternative solutions. It is important to find a balanced approach that considers both environmental protection and economic prosperity.
First Reading
  • May 17, 2023, noon
  • In Progress
  • Read