Protecting Water…

   Protecting Water

 Consultations

 Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

 Local Government and Planning Policy Division

 Provincial Planning Policy Branch

 777 Bay Street

 Floor 13

 Toronto ON

 M5G 2E5

  Dear Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing;

  I am writing to you in regards to EBR Registry number 013-1661. Peterborough and the surrounding areas should be considered for greenbelt expansion in order to further protect water from development and to avoid fragmented protection and urban sprawl further away from the greenbelt. As the 407 is expanded in to Peterborough I am concerned that without an expansion of the Greenbelt into Peterborough and the City of Kawartha Lakes drinking water as well as unique natural features will be put at greater risk. Recently, Peterborough has approved controversial site locations for major projects close to wetlands which are integral to Peterborough’s environment and climate change adaptation as well as tourism. Without protection offered from a new Greenbelt rapid development might occur in Peterborough with limited regard to water quality. An added benefit to a green belt in Peterborough would be improved support for local farmers.  The identification of provincially significant wetlands appears to be too slow and smaller wetlands receive limited if any protections. I like that wetlands, cold streams and moraines are being considered in expanding the greenbelt however, I would like to see drumlins protected as well because it a significant landscape feature. The problem with this study is that it focusses on the greater golden horseshoe (GGH) and ignores areas outside the GGH which is an issue because water boundaries flow beyond the boundary of the GGH and wildlife migrate beyond the borders of the GGH. In addition, rivers that flow though urban boundaries should be protected because they could provide park space in an urban environment and reduce flood risk in addition to protecting water. Thank you for your time.

[Original Comment ID: 211919]