Changes to the Planning Act…

Changes to the Planning Act and Conservation Authorities Act will diminish TRCA’s well-established role in protecting our communities from the public emergencies posed by flooding. To prevent flooding, a systems-level look at land use and infrastructure planning is needed. Deforested areas that are built up increase the risk of flooding. Areas that are managed by the CAs are vital for our natural heritage and these lands must be preserved for floodplains. They are not suitable for development and should not be subject to sale for housing. Let's not repeat the mistakes that led to the deaths of 81 people during Hurricane Hazel.

Updating the definition of “watercourse” from an identifiable depression to a defined channel having a bed, and banks or sides ignores the function of gravity and precipitation. Water will continue to fall and look for pathways to flow into the nearest waterbody. If it is not planned for then flooding could ensue.

Amending the prohibitions on development within a certain setback of wetlands, while "streamlining approvals" by reducing the need for permits or by limiting the site-specific conditions a conservation authority may attach to a permit, weakens the capacity of the province to plan at a watershed scale.

Conservation Authorities are well situated to gather information and provide a systems-level analysis of development as it would impact not only public safety but also well-being (through the protection of biodiversity and ecosystem health).

Conservation Authorities are well-positioned to recognize the relationship between natural hazards and broader environmental issues (pollution and conservation). But, by limiting their role to strictly addressing issues of flooding the ability to plan for the ecosystem is lost. Everything in nature is related. Their expertise in ecology, natural heritage, wetlands and biodiversity contributes to a resilient environment that is not only beautiful to enjoy when walking with family but also protects the quality of the soils and water that feeds and nourishes the province.