Quinte Field Naturalists will demonstrate against Ontario’s “More Homes Built Faster Act” in a rather unique way this weekend.
Opponents of the Act, which was passed by the province last week to address the housing crisis, say it means significant wetlands could now be open to development.
Organizer Lori Borthwick says Quinte Field Naturalists are holding a “Requiem” on Saturday (December 10) where they will highlight the 99 Quinte wetlands that will be losing their designation.
The procession will start at Market Square and will be accompanied by some jazz music to replicate a New Orleans style funeral.
“We’re gonna go over across the road to the front of the Belleville sign, and then we’re gonna go down the beautiful Riverside Trail with our candles. And then over the beautifully restored footbridge where we’ll place all of our 99 wetlands in a little coffin that I’ve made along with some flower petals.”
Later, the coffin will be taken to MPP Todd Smith’s office and placed at the front door.
Borthwick says environmental groups, conservation areas, farmers and municipalities are banding together to protest the Act.
“It’s not just changes to the wetland evaluation system that is going to be a problem going forward but, you know, the difference with the development charges no longer being able, for municipalities to use that as a source of income, that is gonna be a huge problem as well.”
She adds even though the bill has been passed, the province could still make changes if enough pressure is applied.
“If we put enough pressure, you know, onto the government and that they can really see that, you know, people and municipalities are working together against this bill, I think that they may make the appropriate changes.”
Saturday’s event begins at 4 p.m. at Market Square
