Dear Mr. McDonell,
I am writing to express my extreme disappointment with the recently passed Schedule 6 within Bill 229. This represents an ill-conceived attack on the ability of Conservation Authorities to manage wetlands, river valleys, and flood protection in the province.
The government’s philosophy of “Open for Business”, can be very short lived if it chooses to ignore the Conservation Authorities eighty-year history of providing sound land use planning advice. Ontario’s reputation will be also be damaged as word gets out that we are willing to sacrifice our ecologically valuable lands for a short-term gain.
I’m encouraged that the current review of the legislation provides an opportunity to restore the Conservation Authorities ability to protect Ontario’s forests, wetlands, farmlands and river valleys for the long-term health of Ontario’s land and its citizens.
I encourage you to support that opportunity.
John Towndrow, Member OPPI (Ret)
Cornwall, Ontario
