Stop the Bulldozers: Developers Seeking Permit to Destroy Provincially Significant Wetland

Developers are poised to destroy a large Provincially Significant Wetland in Pickering to make room for a warehousing facility. They have applied to the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) for a permit to bring in the bulldozers. The TRCA’s policies do not allow the destruction of Provincially Significant Wetlands, and so far its Board of Directors has stood firm in unanimously upholding this policy. However, because of recent changes to the Conservation Authorities Act, the TRCA is compelled to issue the permit.

At stake is a vulnerable 20-hectare wetland that is part of the provincially significant Lower Duffins ...

Developers are poised to destroy a large Provincially Significant Wetland in Pickering to make room for a warehousing facility. They have applied to the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) for a permit to bring in the bulldozers. The TRCA’s policies do not allow the destruction of Provincially Significant Wetlands, and so far its Board of Directors has stood firm in unanimously upholding this policy. However, because of recent changes to the Conservation Authorities Act, the TRCA is compelled to issue the permit.

At stake is a vulnerable 20-hectare wetland that is part of the provincially significant Lower Duffins Creek Wetland complex. It is one of the GTA’s largest remaining wetlands on the north shore of Lake Ontario and – like all wetlands – helps to mitigate flooding, store carbon, filter water and provide habitat for wildlife.

In violation of provincial law and policy, the Government of Ontario is using a Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO) to force through the development of a warehousing facility, sparking concern across the province. The amended Conservation Authorities Act now requires conservation authorities to issue permits where MZOs have been issued.

Nevertheless, in accordance with its science-based watershed management role, the TRCA still has jurisdiction to impose permit conditions to address potential flooding, erosion, pollution, property damage, and potential adverse impacts to human health and safety and to require compensation. A compensation agreement must be in place before development can proceed.

Please join Ontario Nature in asking TRCA board members to impose stringent, science-based conditions and compensation requirements, and to hold public consultations on the proposed compensation plan. There must be an opportunity for meaningful public review of any such plan before it is approved.

The TRCA needs our support and encouragement to fight for this important wetland and stand up to the anti-democratic tactics of the developer and the provincial government. Let them know they have your support.

Photo: Duffins Creek © Philip Jessup

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Please impose stringent, science-based conditions and compensation requirements, and hold public consultations

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Executive Board

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Dear TRCA Board Members,

I am extremely concerned about the recent use of a Minister’s Zoning Order to advance approval of a warehousing facility to be built on the large, provincially significant – and legally protected – Lower Duffins Creek wetland in Pickering.

I know the TRCA is opposed to the destruction of Provincially Significant Wetlands and I want to personally thank you, as a TRCA board member, for upholding your policies and unanimously passing a motion to that effect. As we know, wetlands provide crucial benefits to our communities, helping to mitigate flooding, store carbon, filter water and provide habitat for wildlife.
 
I understand that the developer has requested a permit to proceed with the destruction of the Pickering wetland. Though recent changes to the Conservation Authorities Act mean that the TRCA can’t lawfully refuse the permit, I urge you to impose stringent, science-based conditions and compensation requirements. I also ask that you hold public consultations on any proposed compensation plan before it is approved so that it can be carefully reviewed by concerned citizens and scientific experts.

Thank you for your consideration.

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