The Ontario Farmland Trust …

The Ontario Farmland Trust (OFT) recommends that all proposed changes to the Conservation Authorities Act are revoked.

Farmland works in tandem with natural lands and the ecosystem services they provide. First, natural lands provide habitat to pollinators which crops depend on. Additionally, natural lands, including wetlands, absorb water from precipitation which can mitigate flooding, and in turn, prevents soil erosion from occurring during flood events. As it takes approximately 100 years to form just one inch of soil (at minimum), it is crucial that erosion risks are minimized. Ontario’s food security depends on natural lands and the services they provide, and Ontario’s Conservation Authorities play a key role in protecting this natural land.

The proposed changes to the Conservation Authorities Act that will allow for development to be exempted from requiring a permit issued by the Conservation Authority directly puts farmland, natural habitats, and home-buyers at risk. Ontario’s Conservation Authorities were created to protect Ontarians and their properties from natural hazards, and their watershed boundaries allow for the work of Authorities to meet the specific needs of the local area that they serve. This local perspective is crucial, and is why OFT also believes that the proposed single regulation for all Authorities should be revoked and that Authorities should maintain their individual regulations. Finally, restricting comments from Authorities in the planning approval process will only prevent Authorities from being able to make
comments specific to the needs of their area. In areas with high concentrations of agriculture, this may prevent Authorities from being able to engage positively with their agricultural community.

As such, OFT strongly urges the Province to revoke the proposed changes to the Conservation Authorities Act.

PLEASE SEE ATTACHED LETTER FOR FULL COMMENT FROM THE ONTARIO FARMLAND TRUST.