SoVote

Decentralized Democracy

Ontario Assembly Bill

Ontario Bill 131

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
December 04, 2023
Transportation for the Future Act, 2023
  • This is a summary of Bill 131, which has been enacted as Chapter 17 of the Statutes of Ontario, 2023. The bill includes amendments to the City of Toronto Act, 2006 and the enactment of the GO Transit Station Funding Act, 2023. The amendments to the City of Toronto Act, 2006 allow the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) to enter into agreements with municipalities or local boards to operate and maintain part of a local passenger transportation system within the City of Toronto. The GO Transit Station Funding Act, 2023 allows municipalities to impose transit station charges on development to pay for the construction of new GO transit stations. The by-law for these charges must include a map of the area where charges may be imposed and rules for determining the amount of the charge. Before passing the by-law, the municipality must complete a background study, give notice and consult on the study and proposed by-law, and obtain the Minister's consent. Transit station charges are payable when a building permit is issued, and interest may be charged on unpaid charges. The charges can only be used to pay for the costs they were imposed for, interest on borrowed amounts, and other amounts provided for in the by-law. There are also provisions for the registration of by-laws, regulations, and consequential amendments to the City of Toronto Act, 2006 and the Municipal Act, 2001. The Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent and is titled the Transportation for the Future Act, 2023.
  • H1
  • H2
  • H3
  • RA
  • Yea (79)
  • Nay (20)
  • star_border

SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • One steelman argument in favor of this Explanatory Note is that it provides clarity and transparency to the readers of Bill 131. By clearly stating that the Explanatory Note does not form part of the law, it ensures that readers understand the distinction between the explanatory information and the actual legislation. This can help prevent confusion and misinterpretation of the law. Additionally, by including the schedules and amendments to existing acts, the Explanatory Note provides a comprehensive overview of the changes being made, allowing readers to easily understand the impact of Bill 131.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Opposing Argument: Bill 131, also known as the Transportation for the Future Act, 2023, and its amendments to the City of Toronto Act, 2006 and the Municipal Act, 2001, represent an overreach of government power and an unnecessary burden on taxpayers. These measures allow for the imposition of transit station charges on development in municipalities, which will ultimately lead to increased costs for businesses and individuals. Firstly, the government should not have the authority to impose charges on development. This goes against the principles of free markets and limited government intervention. By allowing municipalities to impose transit station charges, the government is interfering with the natural flow of the economy and hindering economic growth. Developers should be able to make their own decisions regarding the costs associated with their projects, without government interference. Secondly, these charges will inevitably be passed on to consumers and taxpayers. When developers are burdened with additional costs, they will have no choice but to increase the prices of their products or services. This will have a negative impact on affordability for individuals and businesses alike. Moreover, taxpayers will ultimately bear the brunt of these charges, as they will be responsible for funding the construction and maintenance of transit stations through their tax dollars. Furthermore, the process outlined in the bill for passing transit station charge by-laws is overly bureaucratic and burdensome. The requirement for background studies, public consultation, and obtaining the Minister's consent adds unnecessary red tape and delays to the development process. This will only serve to hinder economic growth and discourage investment in municipalities. In conclusion, Bill 131 and its amendments to the City of Toronto Act, 2006 and the Municipal Act, 2001 represent an overreach of government power and an unnecessary burden on taxpayers. The imposition of transit station charges on development will hinder economic growth, increase costs for businesses and individuals, and create unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. The government should focus on reducing regulations and taxes to promote economic prosperity, rather than imposing additional charges on development.
Royal Assent
  • Dec. 4, 2023, noon
  • Read
Third Reading
  • Nov. 23, 2023, noon
  • Passed

Assembly Debates

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
November 23, 2023

Assembly Motion No. 4498

43rd Parl. 1st Sess. (ON)
Nov. 23, 2023, 9 a.m.
  • Bill 131
  • Latest: Royal Assent received. Statutes of Ontario 2023, chapter 17
  • Third Reading of Bill 131, An Act to enact the GO Transit Station Funding Act, 2023 and to amend the City of Toronto Act, 2006.

Assembly Motion No. 4497

43rd Parl. 1st Sess. (ON)
Nov. 23, 2023, 9 a.m.
  • Bill 131
  • Latest: Royal Assent received. Statutes of Ontario 2023, chapter 17
  • Motion for closure on the motion for Third Reading of Bill 131, An Act to enact the GO Transit Station Funding Act, 2023 and to amend the City of Toronto Act, 2006.
Second Reading
  • Nov. 1, 2023, noon
  • Passed

Assembly Debates

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
September 28, 2023

Assembly Debates

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
September 27, 2023
First Reading
  • Sept. 25, 2023, noon
  • Passed

Assembly Debates

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
September 25, 2023