Michael Helfinger Senior…

Michael Helfinger
Senior Policy Advisor
Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
Business Climate and Funding Administration Division
Policy Coordination and Business Climate Branch
900 Bay Street, Hearst Block 7th Floor
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 2E1

Dear Mr. Helfinger,

I am writing on behalf of the Halton/North Peel Naturalist Club.

The Halton/North Peel Naturalist Club recognizes the value of a vibrant economy and the necessity to allow municipalities some jurisdiction over development issues. However we also recognize that the provincial government has an important duty in ensuring that municipalities act responsibly to protect water, farmland, natural heritage and human health. With Bill 66 the Ontario Government weakens such protections and makes it more difficult for democracy to prevail in decision making at the municipal level.

It is critical that we preserve our precious farmland and maintain the protections that currently prevail for the Green Belt, the Oak Ridges Moraine and other areas of natural significance in the province. As Ontario continues to grow the importance and value of farmland and natural space will only increase. It is not acceptable that the fate of farmland and the fate of significant wetlands, woodlands and the habitat of species at risk be left to the whims of local governments.

The people of Ontario have a right to clean water now and in the future. In fact, as we've discovered in the past, this is a matter of life and death. It is incumbent on the provincial government to ensure that policy changes never threaten a clean water supply. Bill 66 introduces the possibility that municipal drinking water could be threatened by landfills, sewage systems and the improper handling of fuel, manure and pesticides.

Please remove Schedule 10 from Bill 66

Sincerely,

Don Scallen
President Halton/North Peel Naturalist Club
Georgetown Ontario
L7G 1T3