I'm strongly opposed to the…

ERO number

019-6160

Comment ID

71898

Commenting on behalf of

Individual

Comment status

Comment approved More about comment statuses

Comment

I'm strongly opposed to the proposed changes to OWES.

These changes are clearly intended to facilitate development at the cost of natural heritage protection.

I have concerns relating to: the lack of transparency and clear objectives that have led to the proposed changes; removal of references to and integration with other policies such as the Provincial Policy Statement and Conservation Authorities Act; uncertainty with respect to who will take over the oversight role at the provincial level (with MNRF entirely out of the process); the potential bias at municipalities if they are the approver; whether municipalities will have staff and expertise to review, particularly since Conservation Authorities may no longer be able to comment pending draft changes to their jurisdiction; and the removal of wetland complexes entirely, with no rationale provided (which disregards ecological knowledge and practice).

Proposed changes should be rescinded and a revised OWES should be developed with input from public and experts - one that will still provide the function of streamlining the process but better balance development objectives with natural heritage protection.