I object to these changes,…

I object to these changes, as they don't make sense since the Region is still responsible for services such as water, wastewater and Reginal transportation planning. Many municipalities do not have the expertise or the funds to do needed studies or even to evaluate studies that are required for the planning process. Planning is best done on as broad a basis as possible, ie. watershed basis or regional basis rather than every little municipality doing its own thing.

As for public input, citizens should have the right to learn about, discuss and comment on changes that might impact their community. It is important, especially as our urban areas become more dense, that new development fits in with and adds to the urban character. Changes to site plan control and limits to municipal regulation of architectural details and landscape design should be be eliminated.

As for limiting the conservation authority appeals, these organizations have been very successful in limiting harm to homes and businesses from flooding. They have the expertise to evaluate the possibility of these things happening. We should not be limiting their ability to protect the public. Also, lands held in trust by Conservation Authorities should not be sold off. These lands have important ecological functions. We should be adding to these natural spaces, not selling them off.