UTRCA responds to Bill 23 but it’s business as usual, for now (UTRCA weekly, December 9, 2022)
In late November, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Board of Directors sent a letter to Premier Doug Ford outlining its concerns regarding Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act.
The letter states that, “Conservation Authorities want to do their part to help the Province meet its goal of building 1.5 million homes in Ontario over the next ten years. However, we are writing you to express our strong opposition to the changes proposed in the More Homes Built Faster Act.”
The UTRCA Board expressed deep concern that some of the proposed changes will:
- Weaken the ability of conservation authorities to continue protecting people and property from natural hazards;
- Reduce our ability to protect critical natural infrastructure, like wetlands, that reduce flooding and droughts and improve water quality in our lakes and rivers; and,
- Place new responsibilities on municipalities related to natural hazards and natural resources that may lead to inefficiencies, uncertainties, and delays in the development review process.
The public is encouraged to comment on these changes via the Environmental Registry of Ontario before midnight on Friday, December 9, 2022.
Despite widespread opposition from a broad range of sectors, Bill 23 was passed on November 28. While Bill 23 includes changes that may have an impact on the UTRCA’s permitting role, as well as our work in planning and development reviews, those changes do not yet affect our delivery of these services. This work continues to be “business as usual” until the enabling regulations are implemented.
Read the full UTRCA Board of Directors letter and the background information report.