The proposed updates to the…

The proposed updates to the OWES appear to be very anti-science and anti-scientific expertise. Municipalities don't have expertise in wetland evaluation - MNRF has the expertise and should remain the approval authority for wetland evaluations. What justification can the Ontario government make for taking this anti-science stanch? Attacking science won't help Ontario thrive - it will open us up to planning decision making that isn't driven by facts and numbers. This approach is exposing Ontario residents, property owners and tax payers to increased risk of property damage and financial losses in a natural environment that has less resiliency and biodiversity. Wetlands protect our properties and cities from flooding. I live in Peterborough. There are wetlands upstream of Jackson Creek that flows into and under the city. A huge multi million dollar flood mitigation infrastructure project is currently underway in response to the massive flood that happened in the downtown several years ago causing millions in damages. This is WAY more expensive and disruptive to businesses and residents than maintaining our local wetlands. We know our city like many others is at high risk for flooding and we can't afford to lose any of the wetlands in the surrounding area to downgrading and development. It isn't worth it from an economical or ecological perspective. Further to this wetland complexes should not be broken up and evaluated individually. It is a divide and conquer approach that again is anti-science.