We are writing to express…

We are writing to express our deep concern and strong opposition to Endangered Species Act Schedule 2 and Species Conservation Act Schedule 10 of Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025.
Protecting Ontario’s biodiversity isn’t a barrier to economic success—it’s the foundation of it. By protecting biodiversity and healthy ecosystems today, we secure resilient communities, a strong visitor economy, and sustainable growth for generations to come.
The MLA’s 2000+ member families representing approximately 11,000 individuals contribute directly to Ontario’s economy through tourism, property tax revenue, recreational spending, and cottage-related industries. A diverse and healthy environment and waterfront is not just an environmental imperative—it’s a foundational economic asset. In fact, Ontario cottagers represent a powerful economic force, owning over $75 billion in real estate and spending $8 billion annually on goods and services beyond their properties. Of this, Muskoka cottagers own 25,000 properties and spend $1.25 billion annually with almost an equivalent amount in Parry Sound.
With this understanding the MLA raises the following significant concerns with Bill 5:
• We oppose the plan to amend and ultimately repeal the Endangered Species Act under Schedule 2. A proper review of the current act should be undertaken with appropriate professional and stakeholder engagement to ensure it has been effective at achieving its intent over the past18 years and recommend modifications that are science based and effective.
• We oppose the proposed new Species Conservation Act, 2025 (Schedule 10), which would empower Cabinet to override science-based evidence in species protection decisions.
o We oppose replacing the current requirement for species-specific authorizations with a voluntary online registry—eliminating expert review and the obligation to consider safer alternatives or mitigation.
o We oppose redefining habitat for species at risk that does not include all elements of their life cycle requirements. Habitat is not a pin on a map. It is not limited to a nest, den, or the area “immediately surrounding” an animal. It is an entire interconnected system. The proposed definitions ignore this scientific reality—and in doing so, put Ontario’s biodiversity at irreversible risk.
o We oppose the elimination of recovery plans and compensation requirements to contribute to habitat improvements or re-creation elsewhere when impacts are unavoidable.
The Muskoka Lakes Association