We strongly urge that the…

We strongly urge that the wetland identification and mapping program by MNRF must continue. It’s extremely valuable for understanding surface hydrology, groundwater and water quality factors. It’s critical to understand and be informed of all hydrologically associated landscape features if Ontario is to be successful at providing safety and protection of property from flooding.

Wetlands are critical carbon storage sinks. If disturbed, a lot of carbon will be emitted back into the atmosphere, setting us backwards on the essential path of needing to address climate change.

Wetlands are an essential part of natural heritage systems across Ontario. They also provide economic opportunities by way of protecting fisheries and attracting tourists. Changing the OWES and re-defining wetlands will downgrade their significance and contribute to wetland loss.

Losing wetlands will also produce or contribute to many of the water pollution and hazard conditions the historical statutory mandate of Conservation Authorities was designed to avoid.

Ontario has worked hard for decades to find the balance between development and protecting the environment, recognizing also benefits for human health, safety and personal enjoyment. Changes to the OWES will compromise all of this. It also places biodiversity and species at great risk. There is simply no justification for building on the limited few wetlands that remain in Southern Ontario in particular given there are other lands much better suited, serviced and accessible for development for the housing needed.

It is important to understand that draining a wetland will not prevent water from finding its way to that same location. If construction takes place on the site of a former wetland, there will be great risk and liability to the property owner. Insurance may not even be available to them given the known risks.

The function and service natural wetlands provide is invaluable and contribute greatly to province wide efforts to mitigate flooding, safety of life and property damage. It is imperative that we continue to leverage the value of such critical natural infrastructure as that provided by natural wetlands in these fiscally challenging times. Wetlands are also critically vital in the face of mitigating and adapting to climate change.