I'm strongly opposed to the…

I'm strongly opposed to the proposed changes to OWES.

These changes are clearly intended to facilitate development at the cost of natural heritage protection.

I have concerns relating to: the lack of transparency and clear objectives that have led to the proposed changes; removal of references to and integration with other policies such as the Provincial Policy Statement and Conservation Authorities Act; uncertainty with respect to who will take over the oversight role at the provincial level (with MNRF entirely out of the process); the potential bias at municipalities if they are the approver; whether municipalities will have staff and expertise to review, particularly since Conservation Authorities may no longer be able to comment pending draft changes to their jurisdiction; and the removal of wetland complexes entirely, with no rationale provided (which disregards ecological knowledge and practice).

Proposed changes should be rescinded and a revised OWES should be developed with input from public and experts - one that will still provide the function of streamlining the process but better balance development objectives with natural heritage protection.