This submission via the ERO…

This submission via the ERO website, and a email to growthplanning@ontario.ca, are in addition to the Region of Halton’s previous comments on the proposed Provincial Planning Statement (draft PPS). These additional comments address the Natural Heritage policies released June 16, 2023.

Regional Council approved Staff Report “LPS58-23 - Halton Region's Response to Proposed Natural Heritage Policies in the Draft Provincial Planning Statement, 2023” (attached). The Staff Report represents Halton’s comments on the draft PPS’s Natural Heritage policies.

It was noted in the Report that the proposed PPS 2023 Natural Heritage policies and associated definitions maintain the policy framework from the PPS 2020, which would support the continuation and preservation of Halton’s Natural Heritage System. However, the Natural Heritage policies in the Growth Plan, including Natural Heritage System mapping for the Growth Plan is not carried forward in the proposed PPS 2023. Halton has concerns about the assessing impacts on the Natural Heritage System when considering Settlement Boundary Expansions and watershed planning in light of these proposed changes. Please see more detail in the Report.

We would be pleased to set up a meeting to discuss any aspect of our submission at your convenience.