The proposed changes to OWES…

The proposed changes to OWES are frightening. Allowing basically anyone to make changes to Ontario’s wetland mapping with no oversight by trained, qualified individuals is reckless and will leave MANY wetlands open for active destruction. I can tell you firsthand that myself and colleagues have reviewed many flawed wetland mapping/evaluations to the benefit of those looking to destroy wetlands for development and the almighty dollar. Leaving wetland delineation up to whoever has the deepest pockets will leave future generations with a slew of issues to contend with including loss of biodiversity, flooding, increased climate change impacts and reduced opportunities for outdoor recreation, to name a few.

There is no need to cut the current OWES program as many wetlands, particularly within southern Ontario, have already been evaluated and further “revisions” to these evaluated wetlands will only benefit those looking to make a buck. Any good, worthwhile, scientific reporting is peer reviewed and scrutinized for inaccuracies. MNRF must continue to oversee and review wetland evaluations to protect our wetlands and Ontario’s future.