Clearview council declines to oppose Bill 5

Clearview Township council has stopped short of formally opposing the province’s recently passed Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, also known as Bill 5.

At a June 23 meeting, several councillors raised concerns that the legislation is too broad, weakens environmental protections and erodes the authority of local governments. But as Councillor Marty Beelen noted, “The Bill is already passed. This is water under the bridge.”

Bill 5, which was passed June 4 just before the Ontario legislature rose for summer recess, eliminates the Endangered Species Act and replaces it with the Species Conservation Act. Critics say the new legislation is too weak to provide adequate protection.

The Bill also introduces the Special Economic Zones Act, allowing cabinet to exempt certain projects from all provincial laws, regulations and municipal bylaws without clear guardrails or criteria.

Councillor John Broderick introduced a motion asking that Clearview endorse a resolution from the Township of Archipelago in the Parry Sound area, which opposes Bill 5. However, the motion was withdrawn due to a lack of support.

Councillor Robert McArthur acknowledged that some parts of the legislation may go too far but expressed hope the government could revise the most concerning aspects – similar to how it reversed course on certain Greenbelt developments.

Clerk Sasha Helmkay-Playter suggested council wait six months to assess how the legislation is implemented, then revisit any concerns at that time.

File photo: Residents protest Bill 5 at MPP Brian Saunderson’s office in Stayner in May.