There are reasons why…

There are reasons why obtaining permits is a slow and complex matter; there are many factors to consider. Streamlining is not the answer. Leave it to the professionals.

Endangered species, including migratory birds, need the protections set out in the existing legislation. They need to NOT be "harassed" to allow for breeding activities and they need those vague definitions of their habitats to protect their precious few breeding grounds, even those that end up being in someone's attic, etc..

Property owners are responsible for maintaining their properties and protecting them in the first place. While it is extremely unfortunate to have to accommodate an endangered specie, ecosystems may be dependent on a particular specie and balance has to be struck. Caveat emptor.

The government has a stake in the outcome where the push for environmental regulations is being heard; the government should have no part in the discretion over what species are on the endangered species list, nor should the government have any business unilaterally deciding which species can be removed from the endangered species list. Not all habitats can be restored once destroyed. The time to protect these habitats is now.

Obviously, we do have housing needs, but expanding out into the greenbelt is not the way forward.