A land-use planning expert at the University of Waterloo, Larry Martin, has stated publicly that the highway proposal violates this policy. Provincial Wetlands Policy statement is to achieve NO loss of wetlands. Collectively they contribute to the maintenance of biodiversity and to the quality of our land, air and water. Tomorrow's economy will turn on whatever infrastructure we provide for it. This is bad economic practice.
Many people mistake an increase in traffic for increased economic development.
An expert in local economic development at the University of Waterloo, Paul Parker, concurs. What makes our region prosperous, then, is its attractiveness and sense of community. We need to keep our cities attractive for long-term prosperity. A new highway will contribute to the destruction of our rural resources and urban sprawl. However, by promoting attractive urban and industrial developments to maintain the vigour of our city life, we will be a prosperous community for many years to come.