I am writing in regards to…

I am writing in regards to the proposed changes to the Conservation Authorities Act and regulations.
I was disappointed to not see the lack of detail in the proposed changes. Specifically:

1. What ARE the proposed definitions for key regulatory terms , including: “wetland”, “watercourse” “pollution”, “interference” and “conservation of land”?

2. What are the proposed regulations for development or site alteration located between 30m and 120m of a wetland and where a hydrological connection has been severed? Does this refer to surficial hydrological connection (i.e. watercourse), or does include below surface, i.e. groundwater/hydrogeological?

3. What is the definition of "low-risk development activities" that would be exempt from requiring a permit provided in accordance with conservation authority policies?

4. Details on the above questions would lessen the requirement or frequency for conservation authorities to develop, consult on, make publicly available and periodically review internal policies that guide permitting decisions.

5. "Require conservation authorities to notify the public of changes to mapped regulated areas such as floodplains or wetland boundaries" - This mapping would be very expensive and time-consuming to update in detail on a regular basis, as this information must be ground-truthed. Currently, these areas and boundaries are determined, largely by airphoto interpretation or other remote-sensing technology.

6. "Require conservation authorities to establish, monitor and report on service delivery standards including requirements and timelines for determination of complete applications and timelines for permit decisions." The province should provide additional funding to support this requirement.

Thank you.