Based on my understanding of…

Based on my understanding of the proposed updates to the OWES, this streamlining of the evaluation system will greatly diminish the protections that we have for our wetlands in Ontario. While I hope that this information is already known, wetlands are important ecological features for carbon storage, flood and erosion control, water purification, recreation and tourism, on top of being important habitat for up to 20% of Ontario's species-at-risk. My biggest concern is the diminishing importance of wetland complexes in the proposed updates. Wetland complexes support a wide range of species and ecological functions. Removing this designation will mean fewer Ontario wetlands overall will be protected.

The citizens of Ontario were promised that the Greenbelt would be left alone from development. The proposed updates to the OWES, as well as the proposal of Bill 23 are proof that the Ontario government has blatantly lied to the public about their development plans for the Greenbelt.

These proposals show environmental oversights, and while they may have temporary benefits for the housing market, it will ultimately cause more damage in the long run both environmentally and economically.

Please, I beg this government to not proceed with these proposed updates to the OWES, and to keep our wetlands protected.