ERO (Environmental Registry…

ERO (Environmental Registry of Ontario) number 013-4992 Focusing CA Development permits on the protection of people and property

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Conservation Authority Act Permiting.

Conservation Authorities play an important role in the management of water resourses and in protection of people and property in a relatively small portion of Ontario but where the majority of Ontario residents, live, work and play.

There exists a duplication of services and additional burdens of cost and project delay when a proponent finds an application for development as an example redirected for CA review. Properly coordinated and with information sharing technologies there should be no reason to involve CA’S in this process once mapping is completed and shared with local and regional Municipal planning departments.

Improved infrastructure needs to be recognized and applied to offset continuing setbacks and restrictions.

Permitting needs to be streamlined to a one stop shop (Municipal office)

Focus on core mandate, don't continue to grow area of jurisdiction , revue of mapping or add new criteria for increase screening areas at a whim using pretext of new information required for unknowns.
Define low risk development and develop a streamlined process or remove from process altogether.

Review Provincial policy statement to be consistent with intent of the "Ontario open for business" intent