Get your comment in on risky wetland strategy

As a long time local resident of Springwater Township I am very concerned about the health of our renowned Minesing Wetlands, often referred to as the “Minesing Swamp.”

This jewel of a wetland, home to many rare and endangered species, is under increasing pressure from human activities. We think nothing of where our grey water from sinks, dishwashers and washing machines end up. Some of us are on septic tanks, so know how important it is not to put anything toxic down our drains and toilets. But massive sewage treatment facilities are coming to our watershed and that means the Minesing Wetlands. After all, as David Crombie has said, we are all downstream from someone.

Currently a very important consultation is taking place. All of us, not just the experts, need to voice our concerns about water quality. Whether it’s surface waters like Willow Creek, or our fantastic Nottawasaga River, or our precious groundwater we need to let the provincial government know that the current standards of care are too low.

Ontario’s review of its Wetland Conservation Strategy (EBR # 012-4464) started in July, 2015 and the formal public comment period closed last October. In August, 2016, the government released a draft for a new wetland strategy (EBR # 012-7675). Comment on this new document closes November 16, 2016. (Enter EBR # 012-7675 in Google and it will take you to the information the government has posted, and where you can comment.)

As Professor Barry Warner points out in an article posted on this site, aspects of the draft strategy are fraught with risk because of the introduction of the concept of wetland offsetting. Top priority for our area:

-the immediate need to have the Minesing Wetlands classification updated to include its entire complex (that would take in a bigger upstream area);

-the need to mention that some wetlands are at risk because of the huge increase in our area of massive groundwater pumping by new municipal wells with no data to support capacity and finally

-that our forest cover and other habitat is also threatened by drops in the water table as confirmed by increasing problems with local farm wells.

On other fronts, the Ontario government recently extended to October 31, 2016, the public comment period on its review of four important land use plans:

-The Greenbelt Plan, 2005 (EBR # 012-7198)

-The Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2006 (EBR # 012-7194)

-The Niagara Escarpment Plan, 1985 (EBR # 012-7228)

-The Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, 2002 (EBR # 012-7197).

Ontario also launched a review of the Conservation Act (EBR # 012-4509) in July, 2015. Public comment on that closed in October 2015.

We need properly funded conservation authorities and the rebuilding of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry so that the entire watershed from its tree covered upland sources, critical discharge and infiltration areas, smaller stream courses and vital shoreline habitats are protected, enhanced or restored where necessary. It’s up to us to ensure that a healthy air shed as well as our water resources, are there for future generations.

How can you get involved? Time is running out for comments.

Keep it simple: let the government agencies know you value your clean air and water; you want proper local management and conservation of these resources for future generations; that wildlife and aquatic habitat conservation is not only critical to many species but to our well being; and finally this government must provide the financial resources needed to do essential scientific studies on which to base sound planning.