Province puts it hands around the throats of the Conservation Authorities

By Staff

November 23rd, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

The core mandate of Conservation Authorities across the province is being threatened by an item that was included in a Budget Bill, Budget bill issues do not require public comment.  The changes will be debated in the Legislature only.

Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan and Mayor Meed Ward sent a memorandum to their Council  colleagues.

It is worth a wider audience.

The attached resolution is in response to changes made by the provincial government to the Conservation Authorities Act and Planning Act.

Despite not being related to budget issues, it has been added into the budget bill. As a result, there is no requirement for public comment. Nevertheless, we must make our voice heard.There are numerous unacceptable changes. In summary:

Developers will now be able to bypass conservation authorities

Escarpment is a large part of what defines the city.

The permitting process ensures development does not occur in flood hazard areas and that our creeks, valleys and wetlands are not adversely impacted. Permits will be allowed to be approved by the province directly rather than through conservation authorities.

RESULT: less protections for the community and environment, and increased risk to public safety.

Parks could be threatened

Under the new legislation the ministry could set fees or other limits on non-mandatory programs and services.

RESULT: Conservation Halton’s ability to provide important recreational, educational, and employment opportunities that allow our community to interact with conservation will be significantly diminished. All of these opportunities are provided at no cost to taxpayers and benefit all recreation users in the area.

Governance of Conservation Halton will be undermined, potentially politicizing the body

The changes demand that board members represent their municipalities rather than acting in the best interests of Conservation Halton (against all board best practices).

RESULT: Conservation Halton could be politicized as board members would be expected to promote their municipalities’ interests which sometimes conflict with the best interest of Conservation Halton. The directors carry out their fiduciary responsibilities, guide strategy, approve policies in support of our provincial and municipal responsibilities and track performance. They ensure CH makes decisions with integrity, based solely on our  responsibilities and remains apolitical, yet innovative and solution oriented. That could all be lost as we will be obliged to act otherwise according to the draft legislation.

Hamstringing science and conservation protections

The legislation creates new workarounds to undermine conservation authorities.

This is the rural Burlington residents want to keep – walking trails and quiet countryside.

RESULT: Independent science-based decisions in the interest of the community will be significantly limited; our wetlands, valleys, and water will be at risk; the ability to remedy violations that put our environment and communities in danger will be minimized.

Conservation Halton’s mission is to help protect the natural environment, from lake to escarpment, for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future residents. Supporting our natural heritage benefits human, ecological, and economic health. We inherited our natural spaces from the generations before us and will pass them on to our children and future generations.

Our duty as stewards is what continues to inspire us to use science to study and inform us about climate change impacts to our communities and mitigation strategies. Make no mistake, all of this is at risk through this legislation.