Via email: Ala.boyd@ontario…

Via email: Ala.boyd@ontario.caHelma.geerts@ontario.ca

Ala Boyd, Manager

Natural Heritage Section

Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Policy Division

Natural Resources Conservation Policy Branch

300 Water Street

Peterborough Ontario

K9J 8M5

Phone: (705) 755-5088

Fax: (705) 755-2168

Helma Gerts, Policy Advisor

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Policy Division

Food Safety and Environmental Policy Branch

1 Stone Road West, Floor 2

Guelph, Ontario

N1G 4Y2

Re: Proposed

Criteria, methods, and mapping of the proposed regional Natural Heritage System for the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe EBR Registry Number: 013-1014

Re: Proposed draft Agricultural System mapping and Implementation Procedures for consultation EBR Registry Number: 013- 0968

October 4, 2014

Dear Ms. Boyd and Ms. Gerts,

RE: EBR 013-1014 -- Proposed Criteria, methods, and mapping of the proposed regional Natural Heritage System for the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe; Proposed draft Agricultural System mapping and Implementation Procedures for consultation EBR Registry Number: 013- 0968

Ontario Greenbelt Alliance Natural Heritage System and Agricultural System Submission The Ontario Greenbelt Alliance is a collaborative organization that brings together more than 120 environmental and public health organizations, community groups, ratepayer groups and local environmental organizations to ensure the continued protection and expansion of the Greenbelt. Protection of at risk farmland, water supplies, local food and sensitive ecological areas are keys to a prosperous and resilient region. The Ontario Greenbelt Alliance believes that a strong economy and a beautiful well-protected Greenbelt go hand in hand.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the criteria, methods and mapping of the proposed Natural Heritage System for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH) as well as the proposed draft Agricultural System mapping and implementation procedures for the GGH. The Ontario Greenbelt Alliance has been a strong advocate for the creation of both these maps and the resources to support their implementation. Our 120 member groups are pleased to see that the proposed mapping and direction reflects the policy recommendations we put forward in 2015 and 2016 as part of the 10 year coordinated land use review process.

Both the Natural Heritage System and the Agricultural system are key to a more sustainable, resilient and prosperous future for the GGH region. We see consistent implementation of both the across municipal boundaries as critical to the continued protection and vibrancy of Ontario’s productive agricultural land base, farming communities, economy as well as for important natural heritage features and systems. Our membership feels strongly that progressive leadership is needed to ensure consistent and effective incorporation of the mapped values into municipal official plans through forthcoming municipal comprehensive reviews.

A Collaborative Approach

The OGA as a collaborative comprises diverse organizations with rich histories and knowledge of GGH landscape and economy. As such, our submission is based on endorsement of two of our member groups’ submissions. The first is that for the Natural Heritage System prepared by our member groups under the umbrella of the Moraine Partnership (Save the Oak Ridge’s Moraine (STORM), EcoSpark, Ontario Nature and Earthroots). The second is that prepared by the Ontario Farmland Trust. We acknowledge the work and expertise all groups contributed in preparing these submissions. Our member groups may make individual submissions to government to raise other more specific or localized issues not included in these two submissions.

Oak Ridge’s Moraine Partnership Natural Heritage System Submission

The OGA endorses the Oak Ridge’s Moraine Partnership Submission entitled “Key recommendations for “Criteria, methods and mapping of the proposed regional Natural Heritage System for the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe” EBR Posting 013-1014. See the attached submission for full details.

Our members agree that there is critical work to do on the following six recommendation areas: 1)Improve mapping criteria and further integrate important regional variations

a)Integrate other identified natural heritage systems.

b)Define smaller core natural areas in watersheds with high fragmentation and low natural cover c)Include all identified valley corridors.

2)Improve opportunities for community involvement

3)Improve objectives and targets

4)Adapt linkage width to best achieve connectivity while reflecting regional variation

5)Provide Provincial oversight and guidance

6)Develop a natural heritage system enhancement strategy

Ontario Farmland Trust Agricultural System Submission

The OGA endorses the Ontario Farmland Trust Agricultural System submission recommendations for EBR posting 013- 0968

Our members agree that there is critical work to do on the following three key recommendation areas:

1)Need for Firm Agricultural System Boundaries

2)LEAR Methodology and Additional Considerations

3)Additional Municipal Support

We thank the Ontario government for the opportunity to provide input into this process and look forward participating in next steps. If you should have any questions or would like to discuss our recommendations in more detail, please contact Erin Shapero, OGA coordinator at eshapero@environmentaldefence.ca or 416-323-9521 x 224.

Sincerely,

Erin Shapero

Co-ordinator, Ontario Greenbelt Alliance On behalf of the Ontario Greenbelt Alliance

[Original Comment ID: 211058]