The Species Conservation Act…

The Species Conservation Act, 2025 (SCA), as part of Bill 5: Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025, will replace the current Endangered Species Act (ESA) once proclaimed into force, where there are 5 proposed regulations:

Which species will be protected under the SCA
The types of activities that will be authorized through an online registration process
The conditions that must be met by a person engaging in a registered activity
The types of activities that require a permit from the MECP
The activities that will be exempt from the SCA’s permitting and registration process

Should the ERO grant approval, what regulations will be in force at this time? This is very unsettling because it is not clear.

HOW ARE ALL OF THESE AMENDMENTS GOING TO AFFECT THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE WWTP AND (ADDITIONAL PROPOSED AMENITIES THAT WERE LEFT OUT OF THE PROPOSITION)? Approval was not sought to make artificial snow which is highly dangerous to the environment and humans and has largely contributed to the current levels of phosphorus as indicative in the ACS study.

The owners have NOT been transparent. Searchmont proposed that they want to construct hotels, restaurants and conference rooms, all of which come with human interference; therefore probable pollution. None of this information was made available to the public upon presentation at the Public Information Center. A local newspaper brought it to light.

As per new regulations, changes to an activity that result in impacts to a new (endangered) species (per the revamped list) will require a new registration for permit. Currently Sturgeon is listed as endangered. Until clarification is received from SCA as it reinvents the ESA, approval should not be granted.