Ontario Power Generation …

ERO number

013-5018

Comment ID

30339

Commenting on behalf of

Ontario Power Generation

Comment status

Comment approved More about comment statuses

Comment

Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has a long history of collaboration with Conservation Authorities to support important biodiversity projects that restore habitats for plants and animals in Woodlands, Wetlands, Grasslands, and Lakes and Rivers.

This long-term collaboration has many significant achievements:

• Planting of 7 million trees since 2000.

• Creation and restoration of 200 acres of grassland.

• Creation and enhancement of over 100 acres of wetland.

The Conservation Authorities’ have been key partners of OPG’s biodiversity and habitat programs. Staff have local knowledge and expertise to manage natural resources, educate students in our communities about the environment, complete proposed projects, and protect people and property from natural hazards.
The Conservation Authorities provide significant value to the local communities they serve through the following core services;
• Fostering Landowner Stewardship – plant trees, manage community lands, offer resources, work with partners on important water quality improvement projects.

• Protecting People and Property – Map and regulate floodplains and natural hazards, work closely with municipalities, residents and build community to support sustainable development, deliver flood forecasting programs and protect drinking water sources.

• Providing Natural Spaces and Recreational Opportunities – own and manage thousands of acres of public natural spaces.

• Making Science-Based Decisions – collect water, stream, fisheries, forestry and wetland data to support stewardship programs and guide sustainable development.

• Empowering Communities and Youth – Partner with schools and communities to deliver on-the-ground stewardship work and environmental education.

We are committed to supporting the Conservation Authorities’ ability to deliver important, local on-the-ground environmental work.
We encourage the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to consider the value in the services provided by Conservation Authorities that support local watershed, environmental management activities.