Item - 2025.MM34.14

Tracking Status

MM34.14 - Respecting Local Authority Over Road Design - by Councillor Alejandra Bravo, seconded by Dianne Saxe

Motion without Notice
Consideration Type:
ACTION
Wards:
All
Attention

* This Motion has been deemed urgent by the Chair.
* This Motion is not subject to a vote to waive referral. This Motion has been added to the agenda and is before Council for debate.

Recommendations

Councillor Alejandra Bravo, seconded by Dianne Saxe, recommends that:

 

1. City Council express its opposition to Part 195.3(1) of Bill 60, and proposed amendments to the Highway Traffic Act contained in Bil 60, and request the Province of Ontario to clarify that municipalities have the authority to determine road design under authorities granted by the City of Toronto Act, 2006, allowing the City to determine what is in the public interest.


2. City Council request the Province to work collaboratively with cities to address congestion and road safety.

Summary

In November 2024, City Council approved Item 2024.CC23.1, Respecting Local Democracy and Cities, which included the following direction regarding the Ontario Government’s Bill 212, Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, which is now law:

 

1. City Council express its opposition to the proposed amendments to Part XII of the Highway Traffic Act contained in Bill 212, and any related proposed regulations, both of which contradict the stated purpose of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, to allow the City to determine what is in the public interest of the City.

 

2. City Council request the Province to work collaboratively with cities to address congestion and road safety, and accordingly withdraw the proposed amendments to Part XII of the Highway Traffic Act contained in Bill 212.

 

This motion reiterates the importance of local decision making and municipal authority over local road design, and expresses the concern over the Ontario Government’s intention to intervene in decisions that can impact the safety and wellbeing of all road users.

Reason for Urgency:

 

Bill 60, Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025 is currently at Second Reading at the Ontario Legislature, and the Ontario Government has confirmed they will not be holding public hearings on this legislation.

Background Information

Source: Toronto City Clerk at www.toronto.ca/council