I am completely against the…

I am completely against the government's proposal to update the OWES. While I can appreciate the need for more housing in the future, I think revising OWES as a way to avoid red tape and enable development in wetlands is extremely short-sighted and irresponsible. I think there are other options to address the housing crisis.

Wetlands are critically important for mitigating flood risks, 'cleaning' overland flows, providing habitat for sensitive species and proving groundwater that feeds our streams and rivers. Wetlands also contribute to our natural heritage systems that are important for maintaing mental and physical health.

Revisions to OWES including inability to complex wetlands and reduced scoring for sensitive species will result in wetland scores that fail to meet PSW level resulting in lack of protection. Wetlands by nature are often individual pockets that act cumulatively to control hydrology in an area. The complexing is a critical piece of OWES that is based on science and should not be changed.

In the last few years Ontario has seen more and more examples of extreme flooding resulting in extensive property damage and billions of dollars in insurance claims...wetlands are needed to help reduce these impacts. With the added frequency of climate-related hazards, wetlands are going to be needed more than ever.

Although planning process that prevent development in wetlands appear to be additional 'red tape' these processes are also in place to protect the home owners from potential flooding, flooded basements and unstable foundations.. .as they likely aren't aware that their house was built in or near where a wetland used to be.

MNRF and planning agencies should also have some way of reviewing an evaluation and ensuring that it was done correctly and only by certified evaluators.

OWES and the planning process around wetlands should not be changed.