Comments on ERO 019-9306…

Comments on ERO 019-9306 Expanding protected areas in Ontario

I support the changes in boundaries, and additions of land to the 43 Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves in principal but that support is reserved as to why it’s being done and at this time.

In my opinion, I think it’s a good idea to increase the size of and boundaries of 43 Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves, I question the putting forward of this proposal at this particular time of year. Notably, the Province of Ontario has yet to set aside the 30% conserved/preserved lands as are recommended by international agreements that Canada has signed onto. Going forward with this proposal, Ontario would still only have 10.9% of lands representing about 11.8 million hectares as conserved/preserved natural environment. I think we really can do better.

On regarding other matters in the proposal, I don’t think it is a good idea to allow hunting of any kind in any of the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves. Nor should resource extraction of any kind be allowed in the 43 Park and Conservation Reserve lands. Additionally, bonafide consultation with our Indigenous brethren would be useful for this proposal.

So, while I support the changes in boundaries, and additions of land to the mentioned 43 Provincial Parks and Conservation, that support is reserved.

Thank you for the opportunity to make these comments on ERO 019-9306 - Expanding protected areas in Ontario.