This is the worst possible…

This is the worst possible proposal ever. First due to the diversity of species in the Sydenham watershed. Second becuase of the citizens living on and around the Sydenham watershed. And third, because skipping environmental assessments is a recipe for disaster and intentionally looking for loopholes to maximize profit for corporations.

1. At least 80 species of fish and 34 species of freshwater mussels are found in the Sydenham, making it one of the most species-rich watersheds in all of Canada. More than 20 species of fish, mussels, and reptiles that live in and around the Sydenham River are listed nationally or provincially as Species at Risk and include species of global conservation concern. The St. Clair River and Lake St. Clair are ALREADY marked as an Area of Concern by the Great Lakes Water Conservation Authority requiring restoration. The Sydenham drains into the St. Clair basin, and should be closely monitored to ensure it is not CONTRIBUTING to environmental degradation, especially that from human garbage and landfills.

2. The Sydenham watershed is 2751 km², housing tension of thousands of residents that use the water for not only drinking, but fishing and hunting and recreational activities. Our children swim in and kayak in these waterways. Corporations need to be held accountable for their contribution to environmental degradation that will impact both the diversity of species and the families and communities that live on and around the water.
In addition, the waterway is home to many first nations communities who additionally use the water for health and livelihood.

3. It is not appropriate to allow such important step be skipped to benefit a profitable company when the consequences of passing over this assessment will impact the health and well-being of the greater community. The livelihood of the species and residents is more important than the bottom line of a company, and this company should be held to the highest standard when the health and wellbeing of communities is at stake. It is not ethical to allow this to be bypassed, and ultimately benefits nobody. It is a means to avoid getting answers to important questions and buy time to ignore a lingering or potential problem.

I beg you, as a waterfront resident of the Sydenham River - and as someone who swims and kayaks and enjoys watching the birds fly, the fish jump, and the water still as glass - to please skip nothing on this process. Our communities health and well being, and the future of the watershed for our children is at stake.

The facts regarding the Sydenham watershed and the St. Clair AOCs is sourced from the following websites.

1. https://www.sydenhamriver.on.ca/
2. https://conservationontario.ca/policy-priorities/great-lakes