Take action today to protect water, nature and communities

From Earthroots, EcoSpark, Ontario Nature and STORM

The Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, Greenbelt Plan, Niagara Escarpment Plan and Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe play a key role in protecting over 720,000 hectares of land extending around the province’s most populated region from Niagara to the Rice Lake Plains and up to the tip of the Bruce Peninsula. We must take action now to ensure this region’s water, nature and communities remain truly protected for future generations of Ontarians.

The government is currently conducting a Coordinated Review of these four important plans that guide the region’s future. It is an opportunity to highlight the value of these plans in preserving biodiversity and building resilience to climate change. Through this review, Earthroots, EcoSpark, Ontario Nature and STORM are calling for important changes to be made to these plans and associated policies that would enhance the protection of our most valuable natural assets.

Our groups have been on the front lines advocating on behalf of the Oak Ridges Moraine for more than 25 years. The 2015 review of these four plans allows us the opportunity to situate the moraine in a broader bioregional context. Completing the planning to include the entire Greater Golden Horseshoe is the next step needed to address ongoing development pressures especially for infrastructure across this entire region.

Join us and take action to ensure the water, nature and communities are protected for future generations.

We are calling for:

1.    Stronger Laws: Address the gaps and close the loopholes in any policies that hamper protection for the region’s water, nature and communities (e.g. regulate commercial fill, reduce the impacts of aggregate extraction and infrastructure projects like 400-series highways)

2.    Stronger Landscape: Enhance the protection of natural heritage and prime agricultural systems, and freeze sprawling urban expansion in the region.

3.    Stronger Legacy: Support the stewardship, monitoring and restoration of the region’s important ecological cores and corridors.

How can you get involved?

1.    Attend a regional town hall meeting close to your community.
2.    Submit a letter by May 27th, 2015 and join Earthroots, EcoSpark, Ontario Nature and STORM in calling for Stronger Laws, a Stronger Landscape and a Stronger Legacy. (Make sure to quote environmental registry number “EBR: 012-3256” in the subject line).

For a copy of the partnership’s full submission, please e-mail Josh Garfinkel at joshg@earthroots.org.

For more information about the incredible value of the Oak Ridges Moraine, the ecological backbone of the Greenbelt, visit: www.marvellousmoraine.ca.

AWARE Simcoe note: regional town hall meeting in Barrie on Wednesday April 1