I am deeply concerned about…

I am deeply concerned about the proposed regulation to the Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O. 1990 . The legislation would repeal 36 specific regulations that allow conservation authorities to directly oversee the development process. If passed, it would mean Ontario’s conservation authorities (CA) will no longer be able to consider “pollution” and “conservation of land” when weighing whether they will allow development.

The government is also seeking to force the agencies to issue permits for projects that are subject to a “Community Infrastructure and Housing Accelerator.” It will limit authorities’ ability to weigh in on developments to issues of “natural hazards." Hazard lands are identified as such for a reason! Building on them is just stupid.

The changes are aimed at reducing the “financial burden on developers and landowners making development-related applications and seeking permits” from conservation authorities. Under the new proposed rules, conservation authorities would also be compelled to identify and give up any land they hold that could be “suitable for housing.” This is the most disgusting to me. Long term flooding damage will cost millions than the savings any developer will see.

I am not supportive of this legislation for a number of reasons. The first being climate change. I know this government doesn't believe in it but it's happening if you believe it or not. Canada and specifically Southern Ontario has already felt the impacts of climate change with more intense storm events, longer dryer periods, more intense fire fires, and more heat events. Studies have shown that natural areas, typically areas adjacent to water features such as creeks, rivers, streams, and lakes or riparian zones are the best at mitigating and managing climate change impacts. These riparian zones, which are often classified as hazard lands due to their erosion and flooding potential, are also the most resilient to change and can buffer some of the negative effects of climate change. For example wetlands are flood and drought buffers and forests are heat regulators. Natural areas also mitigate the effects of heat waves, also preventing unnecessary heat deaths.

My second reason is money. This decision would be financially irresponsible. If approved, development of homes would be allowed in hazard lands which would increase the likelihood of surrounding areas being flooded. It is predicted that Ontario cities are projected to spend at least $300 million against flooding in the next five years (2021). Taking away the natural buffer between development and flood regions will only cost the province more down the road and the amounts saved through permit savings is nothing compared to the flood damage.

My third reason is health. Allowing developers to build on natural lands would be detrimental to citizen's mental and physical health. Studies have shown that spending time in natural environments improves mental health. By forcing CA's to give up land suitable for housing this government would be taking away opportunities for mental health recovery, when the province's collective mental health is at its lowest. Additionally, this legislation would also not take into account pollution, therefore allowing developers to pollute our environment, making residents potentially physically ill.

My fourth is environmental collapse, leading to collapse of our life sustaining systems. Insects, birds, fish, and mammals are disappearing at an alarming rate. One of the main contributors being habitat loss. If passed, this legislation would contribute to habitat loss and environmental collapse. We need insects to pollinate our crops and healthy ecosystems to clean our water and air. Building more housing and some of the most productive and environmentally diverse areas in the province is deplorable.

I do not support this proposal. Please think long term about our society. This seem to only look at the short term rather than the long term. No one want to live in a polluted, concrete hellscape - which is what Ontario will become if you more forward with this.

Remember when Doug Ford was running for office and said he wanted to open up the greenbelt for development. There was such outcry and opposition that he abandoned that proposal. This is the same proposal just dressed up differently. The people of Ontario love our greenspace. You're inability to find logical, responsible locations for 1.5 million houses, is not an opportunity to put them on the green space and natural areas we enjoy. Do not do this. The conservation authorities role is critical in the development process. I DO NOT SUPPORT THIS.