Calls to scrap highway 413

Summary

The transcript passionately argues against the construction of Highway 413, emphasizing its detrimental effects on the environment and biodiversity in Southern Ontario. It advocates for gentle intensification, creating compact, affordable, and transit-oriented neighborhoods instead of sprawl. The speaker criticizes the highway for promoting car use during a climate crisis and suggests better utilization of the existing underused Highway 407. The preservation of the green belt is highlighted as crucial in protecting Canada's rich natural diversity.

Takeaways

• 🚫 Opposing Highway 413: The speaker is against the construction of Highway 413, urging those involved or who believe they will benefit from it to see the potential negative impacts.
• 🏡 Need for Housing, Not Sprawl: Emphasizing the necessity for housing but advocating for 'gentle intensification' to create compact, affordable, walkable, and transit-oriented neighborhoods instead of urban sprawl.
• 🌳 Protecting Natural Spaces: Highlighting the importance of preserving natural areas and farmland, which are at risk of being lost due to the proposed highway development.
• 🚗 Highway-Induced Sprawl: The construction of Highway 413 is expected to lead to more sprawl, increased commuting, and consequently, more congestion both on and around the highway.
• 🌞 Environmental Impacts: Development associated with the highway would bring negative environmental effects such as noise, light, and traffic, which could harm biodiversity.
• 🐦 Biodiversity Importance: Southern Ontario is noted for having a quarter of Canada's biodiversity, stressing the urgency of protecting this rich natural heritage.
• 🚶‍♂️ Alternatives to Car Use: In the context of a climate crisis, the speaker suggests that we need to provide alternatives to car use, such as walking, cycling, and public transit.
• 🌱 Green Belt Preservation: Opposing Highway 413 because it threatens the Green Belt, an area designated for environmental protection and sustainable land use.
• 🛣️ Existing Underused Highway: Mentioning the existence of Highway 407, which is underused, and suggesting that improving its usage would be a better solution than building a new highway.
• 🔄 Better Utilization of Resources: Recommending making better use of existing infrastructure like Highway 407 instead of investing in new, potentially harmful developments.

Q & A

What is the main concern expressed about building Highway 413?

The main concern is that building Highway 413 would lead to urban sprawl, loss of natural places, farmland, increased commuting, and congestion, as well as negative impacts on biodiversity.

What is the alternative to Highway 413 suggested in the script?

The alternative suggested is to focus on 'gentle intensification' for more compact, affordable, walkable, and transit-oriented neighborhoods instead of building the highway.

What are the potential negative effects of development mentioned in the transcript?

The potential negative effects include increased noise, light, traffic, and a negative impact on biodiversity.

Why is protecting the natural areas in southern Ontario considered important?

Southern Ontario has about a quarter of the diversity in all of Canada, making it crucial to protect this biodiversity for ecological balance and environmental health.

What is the stance on Highway 413 in relation to the green belt and car use?

The stance is against Highway 413 because it would destroy the green belt and incentivize car use, which is contrary to the need for alternatives to car transportation during a climate crisis.

What existing highway is mentioned as an alternative to building Highway 413?

Highway 407 is mentioned as an existing alternative that is currently underused and could be better utilized instead of constructing a new highway.

What is the term used to describe a more compact form of urban development?

The term used is 'gentle intensification,' which refers to increasing the density of development in a way that maintains the character of the area.

What type of transportation alternatives are suggested to car use?

The alternatives suggested include walking, cycling, and taking public transit as more sustainable and environmentally friendly options.

Why is the current situation described as a 'climate crisis'?

The term 'climate crisis' is used to highlight the urgency of reducing carbon emissions and adopting sustainable practices, such as promoting non-car transportation methods.

What is the 'green belt' and why is it significant?

The 'green belt' refers to areas of largely undeveloped, wild, or agricultural land surrounding or neighbouring urban areas, which are significant for preserving natural habitats and preventing urban sprawl.

How does the speaker suggest improving the use of Highway 407?

The speaker suggests that instead of building a new highway, efforts should be made to make better use of Highway 407, possibly through improvements in infrastructure, public transportation, or other means to increase its efficiency and reduce the need for additional highways.