CPHA Applauds Ontario Court Ruling on Bill 212
A Victory for Public Health and Safe Streets
The Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) welcomes today’s decision by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice to halt the Government of Ontario’s planned removal of key protected bike lanes in Toronto under Bill 212 – Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024.
The ruling affirms the importance of evidence-based policy and municipal autonomy in promoting safe, healthy, and equitable transportation systems. In a strong and carefully reasoned judgment, the Court granted an injunction against the removal of protected cycling infrastructure on Bloor Street, Yonge Street, and University Avenue.
The Court directly cited CPHA’s submissions at paragraph 206 of the judgment, noting:
"The Canadian Public Health Association describes separated cycling infrastructure as 'an essential public health intervention' that reduces the risk of injury and death, encourages physical activity, improves mental health, and increases equity by reducing transportation barriers faced by those who face structural disadvantage.”
“This is a powerful affirmation of what public health experts have long known,” said Ian Culbert, Executive Director of CPHA. “Safe, separated bike lanes are not just transportation infrastructure—they are essential investments in population health, equity, and climate resilience.”
The Threat Posed by Bill 212
Passed in June 2024, Bill 212 mandated the removal of protected bike lanes on some of Toronto’s busiest streets and gave the Province sweeping new authority to block municipalities from implementing future bike lane projects that would remove motor vehicle lanes. Most troubling, the law shielded the Province from liability if someone were to be injured or killed as a result of bike lane removal—an implicit acknowledgment of the danger it posed.
Removing such infrastructure not only undermines public health, but also costs taxpayers millions. The City of Toronto estimated it would cost $48 million to dismantle the bike lanes targeted by Bill 212.
“Today’s ruling is not just a legal victory—it’s a win for every Ontarian who wants safer streets, cleaner air, and healthier communities,” said Culbert. “We thank the Court for recognizing the crucial public health dimension of this case.”
CPHA remains committed to defending the public’s health in policy and in law. CPHA intervened in the case to provide the Court with expert public health evidence on the vital role active transportation plays in improving individual and population health. The Association was represented pro bono by the Addario Law Group LLP.