Showing posts with label Great Lakes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Great Lakes. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Ontario Trails News - Conservation Act under review

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Province seeks input in attempt to boost conservation efforts

Hamilton Spectator
Conservation Halton is hoping that a review of the Conservation Authorities Act will silence critics who accuse the agency of misusing its powers.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry recently announced a review of the roles, responsibilities, funding and governance of conservation authorities (CAs) under the Conservation Authorities Act (CAA).
According to the ministry, the demands placed on the province's resources have multiplied since the act's inception in 1946. This has led to a system of management that has grown "increasingly complex" between the Province, municipalities and the CAs.
Ken Phillips, chief administrative officer for Conservation Halton (CH), said it's time the province provides some clarity for its resource management strategy to educate people on the responsibilities of Ontario's 36 CAs.
"Some people think we are just a regulator and (conservation authorities) aren't popular. It's the same as someone getting a ticket for speeding, a parking ticket. No one likes the person who has the power to be a regulator, but we're doing our job."
CH manages and protects the environment and natural resources and its jurisdiction spans 1,000 square kilometres of land, 17 creeks, 26 km of Lake Ontario shoreline, forest cover and 80 km of the Niagara Escarpment.
But the role of Conservation authorities can become contentious as it can also control whether a developer can build on an environmentally sensitive chunk of land, even if it's privately owned, for example. And it can hold up the process for homeowners who require a permit from the authority before commencing renovations.
"Critics say we are overreaching our bounds, not acting within our jurisdiction … we're doing our job – to protect the environment and protect human life and property," said Phillips.
The list of responsibilities that falls under the jurisdiction of CAs continues to grow. For instance, Lake Ontario shoreline management and the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act have been delegated to CAs, along with a more active role managing invasive species.
"As the resources shrank at the ministry, conservation authorities were there to pick up the things they weren't capable of doing anymore," said Phillips.
In addition, CAs handle reforestation, flood control, floodplain management, fish and wildlife habitat, water quality monitoring, rural drainage, stream flow monitoring, tourism, municipal plan review, wetlands protection, watershed strategies and erosion control.
Burlington Liberal MPP Eleanor McMahon, parliamentary assistant to Bill Mauro, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, has been mandated to review the Act. In a media release, she recognized the importance of CAs in "ensuring Ontario remains the beautiful, healthy and green province that it is."
"As pressures on our environment increase, we need to ensure that this valuable tool is modernized," she said.
Phillips said one thing that would help with modernization is money.
In 1996, Ontario cut transfer payments administered by the Ministry of Natural Resources to CAs across Ontario from $40 million to $7.6 million. The next year, the ministry committed to 50 per cent funding with municipalities for eligible programs, estimated to be $34 million. To date, this funding has not been provided, with the exception of the Water Erosion Control Infrastructure program.
In 2013, municipal levies accounted for 48 per cent of CA revenue, while self-generated revenue was 40 per cent, provincial funding was 10 per cent and federal funding was two per cent.
"I would hope that more funding options would open up, but I don't think it's going to happen," said Phillips.
The Conservation Halton chief administrative officer's biggest hope is that the review will clarify the responsibilities of CAs to make sure everyone knows they're doing exactly what they've been delegated.
And with a land use planning review of four pieces of legislation aimed at protecting the environment under way, the timing's right, said Phillips. The legislations include the Greenbelt Plan, Niagara Escarpment Plan, Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe.
Mauro, the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, said the review would take into consideration comments from the public, municipal partners and other stakeholders.
"Our government recognizes the importance of managing key natural resources to meet the current and future needs of Ontarians," said Mauro.
A discussion paper has been posted for public consultation. It represents the first step in the ministry's review. Feedback will help identify priority areas for the review and produce a range of perspectives on how to improve the current resource management framework.
To access the discussion paper or comment online, visit the Environmental Registry at www.ebr.gov.on.ca and search for EBR Registry Number 012-4509 or "Conservation Authorities Act."
The deadline for submissions is Oct. 19.
Milton Champion

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Ontario Trails News - following our friends conversations on Twitter!

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    Lost dog found on Dyno Road by West Eels Lake Road. It is a female shepherd mix, no tags or collar. Please share...
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    "Great cities have public toilets. It is an essential element of inclusive urban design." -
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    Next campfire, turn your s'more into a Grasshopper S'more by adding a peppermint patty!
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    Thanks for the RT!

Friday, May 2, 2014

Ontario Trails News - news and activity, hiking, waking, biking, camping - information from all over Ontario's 2600 trails!


Province Announces Funding for Biosphere Tourism




Ontario Trails Council Website Refresh - some hints

On the new website homepage - we showcase 3 Featured Trails every day. Is your's there? Add your trail and be sure to check out the list daily!



Through the generous support of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport our web re-design team has been working for 6 months to complete a website renewal to satisfy the trail sector. 


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... through the theme Secrets and Spirits... Exploring the Mysteries Behind the Door with walking tours, talks and more. Visit www.toronto.ca/doorsopen ...
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TORONTO - Join Ontario Craft Brewers, slow food chefs and local food artisans for the 7th annual Brewer's Plate on Wednesday, June 4th at the CBC ...
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Vélo Québec's Grand Tour Desjardins special edition 2014 Ontario cycling tour will see cyclists from la belle province visit the Hamilton, Simcoe and ...
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... Canadian is this? Ontario school on lockdown after 600-lb moose walks onto property ... Canoe@QMInews This is why you never give a moose a ...
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CTV News
For more information about natural resources regulations and enforcement, visit theOntario Conservation Officers Association website at ocoa.ca or ...
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TRAIL
 PLANNING BEGINS JUNE 2, 2014

 Algonquin College On-Line Trails Education


ONTARIO TRAILS MOBILE one of 12 MUST HAVE APPS



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