I feel that the Region of…

I feel that the Region of Waterloo should retain planning authority for the Region. Removal of this could threaten most of the environmental protections in this area such as the Countryside Line and Environmentally Sensitive Landscapes. If planning authority is removed from the Region, Greenbelt expansion would be needed to ensure that our primary groundwater recharge areas, specifically the Waterloo Moraine, are protected. Ground water is critical to meet the needs of this area for fresh water since we do not have access to the Great Lakes as other major urban areas do. The different municipalities in the Region are interdependent when it comes to many services, especially water. Wells in our community of Wilmot help meet the water requirements of residents in other parts of the Region, necessitating an approach that takes into account the big picture, not just a local perspective. The Region of Waterloo has a history of good planning to meet the needs of a growing community. Why fix something that isn’t broken?

Changes to Settlement Area Boundaries should not be permitted outside of regular municipal comprehensive review periods. Changing the criteria for opening Settlement Areas could lead to unlimited urban expansion onto farmland and natural areas. It is critical that farmland be protected in order to protect future food security for residents of this province. In addition, farming contributes significantly to our economy. Natural areas provide many services that contribute to our health and well-being such as mitigation of climate change, biodiversity, flood control, etc.

I strongly urge that the plans to limit Third Party Appeals be rescinded. It is important that members of the community are fully informed about development plans in their areas and, if they are concerned, that they have the ability to take their concerns to the Ontario Land Tribunal.

The bottom line is that ensuring protection of our farms, our water sources and the ecological services provided by our natural areas is not “red tape”.