Summary of Concern Climate…

Summary of Concern

Climate Action Newmarket Aurora supports Ontario’s commitment to expanding protected greenspace for its vital role in climate resilience, biodiversity, and public wellbeing. However, re-designating lands from stronger protective frameworks to provincial park status may unintentionally weaken long-term safeguards.

The parcels proposed for addition to Algonquin Provincial Park, for example, are already protected under existing provincial designations, such as conservation reserves or Crown lands managed for ecological integrity. While inclusion in a provincial park may appear to strengthen protection, in some cases it can replace more restrictive safeguards with weaker, more flexible provisions under the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act (. To avoid any net loss of protection, these lands should retain or exceed their current legal safeguards following re-designation.

The experiences at Wasaga Provincial Park and North Gwillimbury Forest illustrate this concern. At Wasaga, lands once considered under “full protection” are now being reconsidered for removal. In North Gwillimbury Forest, despite the Province’s 2021 announcement that 360 hectares of wetland and forest would be added to the Greenbelt, parts remain in procedural limbo. These examples show that only transparent, legislated inclusion and ongoing oversight by strong, independent conservation authorities can guarantee permanent protection.

To ensure lasting conservation outcomes, parcels such as those proposed in Algonquin must retain explicit, permanent legal protections that prevent future development or any reduction in environmental safeguards. Recommendations are in the supporting document.