Proposed changes to Ontario Wetland Evaluation System a dramatic shift away from historic wetland protection

In Ontario, wetlands are very important for flood control, water filtering, and groundwater recharge and discharge. When there is a lot of rain or snowmelt, wetlands absorb and slow flood waters, helping to alleviate property damage and even save lives. In the face of climate change, these wetlands are ever more important as we experience more extreme storm events.

Wetlands are diverse and delicate ecosystems that provide important habitats for plants and animals. These include many familiar species, such as great blue herons, turtles, muskrats and beaver.

Currently, Ontario’s wetlands are scored for importance through the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System. Wetlands that receive a higher score are considered provincially significant and are heavily protected. In the Nottawasaga watershed, these include the Minesing Wetlands, Osprey Wetlands, Wasaga Beach Wetland Complex, Midhurst Wetland Complex, Silver Creek Wetlands and Copeland-Craighurst-Guthrie Complex.