I will speak on the…

I will speak on the importance of these lands for Monarchs (Danaus plexippus). These lands provide important breeding habitat for this species, ranked as “Special Concern” under both provincial and federal endangered species acts, and under consideration by Environment Canada to be upgraded as “endangered”. These lands also provide important nectar and sheltering resources for this species during the annual spring and fall migrations. In 1995, Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area was designated by an international treaty as internationally important for monarch butterflies, and this importance could be applied to these lands as well (Prince Edward Point NWA Monarch Butterfly Reserve - 1995 Canada-Mexico declaration on the creation of the International Network of Monarch Butterfly Reserves).

There may be historic records of monarchs roosting in large numbers on these lands during the annual fall migration, as there are for other areas on the south shore of Prince Edward County. A tagged monarch released on August 21, 2021 to the east of these lands was recovered on February 13, 2022 at the monarch butterfly sanctuary located on the mountain Cerro Pelon, in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, Mexico.

I would strongly recommend that your Ministry review the numerous documents that were created circa 2010 - 2015, opposing the construction of a wind turbine farm on lands located on the south shore of Prince Edward County, and note the extensive documentation outlining the great significance of these lands for flora and fauna.

Perhaps there are also reasons related to human and indigenous human history (areas for archaeological study) which also might be considered as important reasons to protect these lands.

No doubt these lands would provide future opportunities for scientific study related to the local flora and fauna, decline of species, and impact of climate change. It is entirely possible that species of flora and fauna, previously unidentified either for the region or otherwise, may be discovered here.

With the great demand for lands located along the north shore of Lake Ontario for commercialization and development, it would be critical that these lands be protected now. I congratulate your Ministry for presenting this important proposal.

Thank you.