Lower Trent Conservation and Quinte Conservation say they’re extremely concerned about the potential changes to the Conservation Authorities Act and the Planning Act under Schedule 6 of Bill 229.
On November 5, the Government of Ontario revealed its plans to severely curtail the role of Conservation Authorities (CAs) in watershed planning and management. Schedule 6 proposes numerous changes that will limit the ability of CAs to manage the watershed from a science-based approach, putting the public and their properties at risk from flooding and other natural hazards.
Ontario’s ability to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change will be made vulnerable by these changes that undermine how a CA protects natural infrastructure such as wetlands, by preventing development in high flood risk areas, and activities like filling in wetlands, changing the grading of a shoreline, and altering floodplains.
Certain development and activities like those mentioned above cause significant environmental damage and put the lives of watershed residents at risk.
“All of Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities are united in wanting Schedule 6 repealed and fear there may be many unintended consequences that will put the environment and our communities at risk, not to mention increase red tape and costly financial implications,” says Brad McNevin, CAO of Quinte Conservation,
The importance of safe and healthy communities, as well as access to nature for personal well-being has become extremely evident this year, which highlights the value that conservation authorities provide across Ontario.
Watershed residents are encouraged to learn more about these changes and their impacts. Lower Trent Conservation and Quinte Conservation are asking for support from concerned individuals to lobby their local MPPs and call for the repeal of Schedule 6, if not for yourself, for future generations and the health of our watersheds.
