Ontario Wetland Evaluation…

Ontario Wetland Evaluation System Classification Changes
Wetlands play a critical role in a healthy, functional environment. Changing the classification system will mean further wetland loss and may result in serious flooding, putting the safety of communities at risk. Wetlands are a natural, cost-effective strategy for protecting downstream properties from floods, adapting to climate change, and retaining water to lessen drought impacts. By changing the classification system, existing Provincially Significant Wetlands could lose their status and un-evaluated wetlands are unlikely to meet the standard for additional protection. This could lead to wetlands being filled in, resulting in loss of habitat and numerous species, decreased storage area for water resulting in decreased flood storage but increased potential for erosion, and poorer water quality. These losses will have detrimental effects on tourism and recreation industries. Loss of wetlands will also result in the necessity of more stormwater ponds which require more maintenance and monitoring than wetlands. The government must be prudent when considering changes like offsetting, which could negatively affect the ability of wetlands to reduce flooding and confuse roles in wetland management and protection between municipalities and CAs.

I recommend that:
• The province re-engage the multi-stakeholder Conservation Authority Working Group and work with the working group to determine the unintentional negative implications of these proposed changes, and develop better alternatives, prior to proceeding with current proposed amendments.

Potential Loss of CA Lands
Minister of Natural Resources Graydon Smith has told media outlets that conservation authorities are “the second largest landowner after the Crown” and have been asked to “evaluate” their land in order to identify areas for housing development. In most instances, these lands have been acquired for specific purposes; typically, lands are purchased to protect the public from flooding and erosion or the lands are left through estate donations to the Conservation Authority by members of the public who wished their private lands stay natural. The development of these natural spaces will have numerous negative implications on the natural environment and a community’s ability to adapt to climate change. Further, the local tourism and recreation industries that rely on these spaces will feel the effects as will individuals of the public of who could experience negative social, mental & physical health impacts.

I recommend that:
• The province focus efforts on building up urban areas instead of urban sprawl outwards;
• Municipal Official Plans continue to be followed as written; and
• Lands identified as natural hazards be maintained as open space.