The Environmental Bill of…

The Environmental Bill of Rights (EBR) requires that you provide public notice on the Environmental Registry 30 days before a proposal is implemented. While I’m familiar with the phrase “better late than never”, it is completely inappropriate to be obtaining public comments SIX MONTHS after the Schedule 17 changes were first enacted. In addition, attempts to solicit public comment on other matters in the past have included webinars, discussion papers, questionnaires, news releases, media advertisements, mail outs, etc., but here, the only evidence of soliciting public comment is the posting on the Environmental Registry (for 45 days, which spanned the December holiday season). In a time when Ontarians are struggling with the consequences of COVID19 and another lockdown order, this minimum of effort to create public awareness and provide participation opportunities is unacceptable. I request that you extend the public consultation period for another 90-day period and provide additional notice and ways for the public to provide their opinions. The new MZO powers included in Schedule 17 should not be used in any way until the consultation period is over and potential Planning Act amendments have been made.