Do Not Support. The proposed…

Do Not Support.

The proposed changes would see a wetland evaluation or re-evaluation complete once it has been received by a “decision maker” addressing land use planning and development or resource management matters, as opposed to ecologists, biologists, and other natural heritage experts who should be providing oversight.

The proposed changes to classification of wetland complexes in Durham Region, including Duffins Creek, Carruthers Creek, Lynde Marsh, Second Marsh and Black-Farewell, would result in a piecemeal approach that could reduce separation distances between wetlands and development areas, or remove smaller features in their entirety. This undermines the critical role these areas play in the wider natural system and the ecosystem services they provide. Scoring for the presence of endangered and threatened species has also been removed from the scoring template. Much of the detail outlining the components of a complete wetland evaluation file and sources of information are proposed to be removed. Removing this guidance will create inconsistency and confusion in applying the OWES.

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This is staff-level feedback submitted on Bill 23 to the province on behalf of the Region of Durham. Council endorsement of staff-level feedback and recommendations will be sought at the December Regional Council meeting.