‘We’re Standing Firm on Our Request for Full Repeal’
Directors of Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority Forward Resolution Following Passing of Bill 229
LTVCA – At their December 10 meeting, Directors of the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) discussed the impacts that may occur due to recent changes in the Conservation Authorities (CA) Act.
The LTVCA Board believes that changes to the CA Act will create more red tape and costs for Conservation Authorities’ member municipal partners, and potentially result in delays in the development approval process. Additionally, they felt that the Legislation as amended, still impacts the important and historic role that Conservation Authorities play in watershed management.
Conservation Authorities have been working for nearly 80 years across Ontario to make their watersheds better for the communities that live within them. “This Board is concerned that changes to the CA Act will increase costs, cause expensive delays and produce more red tape for our municipalities. Beneficial, on the ground projects that improve watershed health for all our communities will suffer.” states LTVCA Chair Linda McKinlay.
In response to the changes to Schedule 6 – Bill 229 announced by the Provincial government on Monday, December 7th, the LTVCA Board of Directors passed the following resolution at their meeting yesterday:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED
- THAT the LTVCA Board of Directors continues to request that the Province of Ontario repeal Schedule 6 of the Budget Measures Act (Bill 229)
- THAT the LTVCA Board of Directors directs staff to work with the Province to find workable solutions through the development of regulations with an aim to reduce red tape and create conditions for growth
- THAT in the development of regulations the Province respect the current conservation authority/municipal relationships and the important role conservation authorities play in watershed management
- AND THAT the Province provide Conservation Authorities the financial resources needed to address the significant requirements and administrative burden resulting from passage of Bill 229, Protect, Support and Recover from COVID 19 Act including Schedule 6 as amended.
AND FURTHER THAT this resolution be circulated to all member municipalities, Conservation Ontario, the Premier, Minister Natural Resources and Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks.
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For comment please contact –
Mark Peacock – CAO Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority
519-354-7310 ext.224