I am completely opposed to…

I am completely opposed to the proposed changes to the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System.

I am opposed to all changes that purport to "better recognize the professional opinion of wetland evaluators and the role of local decision makes (e.g. municipalities)." I am also opposed to the changes that remove the existing roles of the MNRF and CAs.

The proposal amounts to a shockingly blatant pandering to private interests instead of protecting the broad public interests that are met by unbiased wetland protection. The proposed changes would support and encourage development proponents to "shop" for a wetland evaluator who will revise existing wetland boundaries or similarly produce a new evaluation or mapping updates that will be biased in favour of development proponents. The proposal would result in no oversight except by those making land use planning and other decisions, who have no expertise in the OWES and wetland-related values.

I am also opposed to the attempt to reduce wetland complexing, and to diminish the need for site assessment where no environmental site assessment has yet been carried out. I also strongly support the continued inclusion of the text that encourages protecting "locally" significant wetlands.

Given the increasing societal recognition of the importance of protecting biodiversity, species at risk and their habitats, fish and wildlife habitats, woodlands, minimizing the potential for flooding and erosion, promoting groundwater recharge and other wetland values, the protection of the existing OWES and the roles of the MNRF and CAs are critically important.

Please rescind the proposed changes to the OWES.