Wetlands are not, as some…

Wetlands are not, as some people may suppose, just a nuisance and a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Wetlands are an integral part of nature's amazing control system whereby water is cleaned, floods are prevented and animals that sustain this wetland are able to survive. For humans to survive, nature must survive, and this is incredibly true of wetlands. Wetlands are essential!!!

And so, I wholeheartedly disagree with the proposed updates to the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System without further consultation with Conservation Authorities’ experts and full transparency with the citizens of Ontario as to the veracity of the proposed changes.

The Silver Creek Wetland, deemed a provincially significant wetland, is located in Collingwood, ON in the Nottawasaga Watershed and is very important for flood control, water filtering, groundwater recharge and discharge and provides important fish and wildlife habitat. The Silver Creek Wetland absorbs excess rainwater and snowmelt, slows floodwaters helping to alleviate property damage. In the face of climate change, the Silver Creek Wetland is even more important as we experience more extreme storm events.

In addition, the Wetlands provide a critical habitat for threatened as well as many, many endangered species - plants and animals - that play a role in the health of the wetlandss . I want to protect the Silver Creek Wetland from erroneous development and keep it as one of the most important features of our natural heritage in Ontario for generations to come. Climate change is a reality. We need to mitigate the negative effects that our bad decisions have brought about. Keeping these wetlands safe is step in the right direction.

Regards,
Friends of Silver Creek