The proposed updates to the…

The proposed updates to the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System are alarming and underscore the decades of work to evaluate and protect Ontario's wetlands. Of considerable note is the removal of wetland complexing. Often wetlands are interconnected and linked both ecologically and hydrologically. Under the proposed changes, it is unlikely any of Ontario's wetlands would meet the criteria for provincial significance. The proposed changes allowing for wetlands within a complex to be re-evaluated individually should be removed and wetland complexing should be reinstated.

Secondly, wetland evaluations should be reviewed by arm’s-length agencies with an objective view. The proposed legislation is not allowing the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry or conservation authorities to review wetland evaluations. The MNRF as an objective arm's length party should be reinstated.

As it stands, the proposed legislation would be disasterous for the prosperous future of Ontario for all.