We have recently become…

We have recently become aware that there is a discussion paper to consider changing sections of the Drainage Act. Being rural landowners on two significant Municipal Drains, we have some serious concerns about streamlining the process even further.

We agree that there is a need to update the Drainage Act. A move to recognize issues that are prevalent today and into the future is seriously required.

Drainage Act projects facilitate a tremendous amount of water flow in the province. Many of today's farmers are doing more tile draining, clear cutting trees and vegetation for large acreage fields, and wield tremendous political clout. We are afraid that their requests for streamlining approvals may result in detrimental effects on the watershed, environment, wetlands and small individual landowners.

With simplification of the Drainage Act, we are concerned that more decisions will be made by engineers, without consulting with ALL landowners attached to the Drain in question. Without consultation, presentation of a clear understanding of the pros and cons of each project, there will be a loss of democracy in decision-making which affects landowners.

1. Supporting Technical Protocols
The Drainage Act legislation has major effects on the environment in areas such as groundwater recharge, wetland protection, forest management, flood abatement, and pollution management. These important issues must be addressed in any update to the Drainage Act.

We feel it is important to continue to involve Environmental agencies (conservation authorities, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, etc.). These agencies should be given MORE opportunities to study and ask questions of all Drainage projects (both existing and new) - not LESS as stated in the discussion paper.

2. Streamlining Approvals
The important fact in streamlining approvals is clearly defining what is a minor improvement. A list of qualifications for a minor improvement should be included. Any exceptions must be approved by ALL authorities and ALL Municipal Drain landowners before proceeding. Even if it is an improvement on an already established Municipal Drain. This is the only fair, democratic process. It is unfair to ask landowners to pay for improvements without consultation.

3. Simplifying Administrative Processes
We agree that changes to drain design can happen during construction or maintenance. Unforeseen circumstances can occur. BUT, we feel that it is important to assess best practices and to keep all involved parties informed. In today's modern communication world, this would not be an onerous task.

Conclusion
As landowners living in a rural environment, we choose to live co-existing with our environment. Living in the country, we are concerned about the long term importance of forests, wetlands and flood plains.

There are large economic consequences in a revision to the Drainage Act legislation. Sizable, provincial expenses are allocated every year for project development and maintenance, as well as associated grants to farmers and municipalities. Small, individual landowners are not eligible for public assistance, which is why it is so important to keep them informed. Without public consultation, lawsuits and appeals will continue.