Hi Ministry folks, 1) I…

Hi Ministry folks,

1) I support municipal consent as a requirement for PTTW. In addition, I request that special notification from municipalities be issued as part of the condition of approval. i.e. notification in the paper, mandatory council meeting (not in-camera session) with opportunity for public delegation (if required) and call for open vote.

2) Prioritizing water uses - I support this watershed management approach. It's contemporary, informed and guided. Funding and investment to develop a water ranking criteria are essential to getting this done in a good way. Furthermore, this information is developed, finalized and implemented it needs to then become embedded within the Ontario Growth Secretariat and Places to Grow so that the relationship between land and water can be enshrined within land use planning decisions. The MECPs Water Policy Branch needs to work outside of its silo and make sure that these good work gets integrated in order to be effective.

3) Managing water-takings on an area basis - again, I concur. Its contemporary and good practice to do so. Greater coordination for the overall water system is required. There is a strong role for Conservation Authorities in this recommendation as they have water quality and quantity experts and decades of in-house data as well as mandatory inter-governmental coordination experience. Pull on that resource and invest in CAs to lead this work.

4) Transparency - I concur with making data available and online to the public. Perhaps the addition of a hotline for inquires and well as on the ground concerns could be incorporated into this component.

5) Lastly, First Nations, Métis and Indigenous communities Section 35 Rights mandate their inclusion in decision-making that impacts their rights, and the duties and responsibilities that flow from them. This Water Management Policy applies. In my experience, engaging directly and in a meaningful way with FNMI is always highly beneficial given the depth of experience, knowledge and cultural values that are brought to bare. Additionally, water scarcity and quality are critical issues that need special attention for our Rights-Holders. I trust that the Crown is honouring their commitment in this way, through this work.