These changes to the OWES…

These changes to the OWES present yet another threat to Ontario's already imperiled ecosystems. In addition to providing intangible value to our already nature-starved population, ecosystems such as wetlands provide services in flood mitigation and pollution control which have incredible beneficial effects on our infrastructure, which translates to reduced financial costs.

Our wetlands provide critical support and habitat to species at risk, which are already under increasing threat from development elsewhere in the province. This threat is felt especially strongly in southern Ontario, where the bulk of our province's (and country's) biodiversity is concentrated.

Housing is a critical issue for our growing population and must not be ignored. I urge the provincial government to take a closer look at the multitude of ways in which we can increase density in already-developed and less sensitive areas. Destroying wetlands to do so is shortsighted and will carry profound consequences.