Proposed updates to the…

Numéro du REO

019-6160

Identifiant (ID) du commentaire

66855

Commentaire fait au nom

Individual

Statut du commentaire

Commentaire

Proposed updates to the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System are of deep concern to me because the results will be a potential loss of designation of "provincially significant" for many wetlands in our province, as well as a lower likelihood that wetlands can be designated "provincially significant" in the future. In addition, removal of municipally designated wetlands from the policy is egregious. Removing local planning and governmental over-sight is undemocratic and illogical as local planners and residents know their own areas better than provincially-appointed bureaucrats.

The language for species-at-risk has been watered down and the new wording (what's left of it), will put many species at a disadvantage when habitat loss is taken out of consideration for new development.

Overall, Bill 23 goes too far in reducing protection for our water systems, upon which our wetlands play a significant role. There is plenty of fully-serviced land within urban boundaries for new developments through 2031, as well as under-utilized land in our built-up areas. As a province, we should explore all options to create complete, walkable communities within our built-up areas to address the climate emergency.