I strongly oppose the…

I strongly oppose the proposed regulation setting out the Minister’s new permitting powers under the Conservation Authorities Act (ERO No. 019-8320).

The expertise to understand and address the potential adverse impacts of development on wetlands, waterways and river valleys lies with Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities, not the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

Mandated to manage the impacts of development from a watershed perspective, Conservation Authorities play a critical role in reducing flood risk and impacts, and preventing cumulative adverse impacts. They are uniquely positioned to arrive at technically-sound permitting decisions based on their ability to model and map flood hazards, and their understanding of local conditions and the local planning context. The Ministry could only begin to try to replicate this expertise at enormous expense to taxpayers.

The people of Ontario should not have to bear the cost and risk of ministerial permitting decisions that are driven by requests from development proponents.

I urge you not to proceed with the proposed regulation.