It is entirely inappropriate…

It is entirely inappropriate to remove the MNRF, Conservation Authorities & Regional Authorities from land use planning decisions, appeals and aspects of the OWES. They have the expertise and EDUCATION to be effective in these roles. Municipalities do not, nor should that responsibility be downloaded to them.

Wetlands are valuable natural resources which must be preserved from the substantial loss already suffered. Natural areas enhance opportunities for people to experience nature, they serve multiple benefits including flood mitigation, climate resilience, they filter water effectively, and provide habitat for a wide variety of species, including many species at risk. It is wrong to remove species at risk considerations, to eliminate provincial oversight and to not recognize the value of wetland complexes.

Eliminating protection for wild areas is NOT a solution to the housing crisis. Urban planners do not recommend urban sprawl requiring new municipal infrastructure to create affordable housing. Land for farming must also be conserved, particularly to supply food for large urban areas (and to give farmers incentive to plan long term for these lands). These proposed updates to streamline wetland evaluation sound designed to encourage profit taking by developers at the expense of protecting natural areas. This is totally unacceptable.