WHEREAS the Province has introduced Bill 229, Protect, Support and Recover from COVID 19 Act - Schedule 6 – Conservation Authorities Act;
AND WHEREAS the Legislation introduces a number of changes and new sections that could remove and/or significantly hinder the conservation authorities’ role in regulating development, permit appeal process and engaging in review and appeal of planning applications;
AND WHEREAS we rely on the watershed expertise provided by local conservation authorities to protect residents, property and local natural resources on a watershed basis by regulating development and engaging in reviews of applications submitted under the Planning Act;
AND WHEREAS the changes allow the Minister to make decisions without CA watershed data and expertise;
AND WHEREAS the Legislation suggests that the Minister will have the ability to establish standards and requirements for non-mandatory programs which are negotiated between the conservation authorities and municipalities to meet local watershed needs;
AND WHEREAS municipalities require a longer transition time to put in place agreements with conservation authorities for non-mandatory programs;
AND WHEREAS municipalities believe that the appointment of municipal representatives on CA Boards should be a municipal decision; and the Chair and Vice Chair of the CA Board should be duly elected;
AND WHEREAS the changes to the ‘Duty of Members’ contradicts the fiduciary duty of a CA board member to represent the best interests of the conservation authority and its responsibility to the watershed;
AND WHEREAS conservation authorities have already been working with the Province, development sector and municipalities to streamline and speed up permitting and planning approvals through Conservation Ontario’s Client Service and Streamlining Initiative;
AND WHEREAS changes to the legislation will create more red tape and costs for the conservation authorities, and their municipal partners, and potentially result in delays in the development approval process;
AND WHEREAS municipalities value and rely on the natural habitats and water resources within our jurisdiction for the health and well-being of residents; municipalities value the conservation authorities’ work to prevent and manage the impacts of flooding and other natural hazards; and municipalities value the conservation authority’s work to ensure safe drinking water;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
THAT the Province of Ontario work with conservation authorities to address their concerns by repealing and/or amending changes to the Conservation Authorities Act and the Planning Act
THAT the Province of Ontario delay enactment of clauses affecting municipal concerns
THAT the Province of Ontario provide a longer transition period up to December 2022 for non-mandatory programs to enable coordination of CA-municipal budget processes
THAT the Province respect the current conservation authority/municipal relationships
AND THAT the Province embrace their long-standing partnership with the conservation authorities and provide them with the tools and financial resources they need to effectively implement their watershed management role.