I oppose the proposed…

I oppose the proposed amendments to Ontario Regulation 387/04 intended to increase flexibility for water taking, ERO number 025-0730.

The proposed amendments are inconsistent with provisions in the Ontario Water Resources Act (OWRA) for efficient and sustainable use of Ontario's waters to promote long-term environmental, social and economic well-being in Ontario. A streamlined permit process that bypasses comprehensive environmental, technical and community impact assessment would overlook new conditions warranting change to the permit process, such as modifications to the environment or health and well-being, or to permit violations committed by a permit holder.

Clean water is a critical, basic necessity. Achieving long-term environmental, social and economic well-being as it pertains to water requires strict monitoring of conditions to ensure that cumulative degradation does not occur. The OWRA recognizes this need and the water-taking process defined in Ontario Regulation 387/04 was developed to promote long-term protection. Streamlining this process as proposed will place Ontario's water resources at risk.