MPP Andrew Dowie's private member's bill to create an urban classification for provincially significant lands passed its second reading this week.
Bill 193 proposes that the classification could designate parks within 50 km of communities over 200,00 people. The goal is to give people living in urban spaces the opportunity to enjoy nature, recreation and natural beauty close to home.
“Protecting and managing the beauty of our naturalized spaces like Ojibway is something we can all get behind,” said MPP Dowie. “Provincially significant biodiversity can be found in urban areas across Ontario and these sites deserve a home in Ontario’s Provincial Parks system.”
An urban classification could strengthen public access to significant lands and help protect biodiversity from future developments.
