A local environmental group is expressing concern about Bill 23.
Bill 23, also known as the More Homes Built Faster Act, looks to accelerate the development of housing in the province.
However, Friends of the Salmon River says the new bill, if passed, would have a dramatic impact on environmental protection.
The group says the bill would “effectively remove the power of Conservation Authorities (CAs)” and their ability to regulate development of properties on wetlands and waterways.
Friends of the Salmon River also say the CAs would be prohibited from working with municipalities to provide expert reviews of planning applications.
They also say the bill would limit the CAs’ ability to appeal land use planning decisions.
“The proposed changes outlined in Bill 23 would have many serious, negative impacts to our environment, which would contribute to issues with water quality, public safety, increased taxes, and a higher demand for new infrastructure and maintenance.” said Quinte Conservation CAO, Brad McNevin, on Quinte Conservation’s website.
Friends of the Salmon River also expressed concern of the development of what they called “Wetland Complexes.”
In their scenario, they warn that this “leaves the headwaters of the Salmon River – the Kennebec Wetland Complex, the lifeblood of the Salmon watershed – open to disturbances.”
More information can be found at the Friends of the Salmon River website.
