Wetlands provide a myriad of…

Wetlands provide a myriad of ecosystem benefits and tools to mitigate impacts of natural hazards on communities across Ontario (e.g., flood attenuation, shoreline stabilization, drought control, etc.). While the OWES is the process for evaluating these features, the evaluations undertaken provide the information necessary to understand the roles these features play in the natural landscape and allow for an assessment to determine whether a wetland is provincially significant.

Prior to changing the OWES, a working group should be established to discuss and review any changes to ensure the evaluation system remains robust, comprehensive, accessible, and based on best-available science.

We have already lost so many of our historical wetland cover. Ontario cannot afford to lose more significant wetlands.