RE: Bill 229 Conservation Authorities Act
Moved by: Councillor Bondy
Seconded by:____________
WHEREAS the Province has introduced Bill 229, Protect, Support and Recover from COVID 19 Act - Schedule 6 – Conservation Authorities Act;
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;
WHEREAS the changes allow the Minister to make decisions without CA watershed data and expertise;
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;
WHEREAS municipalities require a longer transition time to put in place agreements with conservation authorities for non-mandatory programs;
WHEREAS municipalities believe that the appointment of municipal representatives on CA Boards should be a municipal decision; 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
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.
AND THAT a copy of this resolution accordingly be forwarded to the Province of Ontario.