A Brighton resident involved with the destruction and removal of a wetland, has been found guilty on 3 counts for undertaking development activities and interfering with a wetland without prior written permission from the Lower Trent Region Conservation Authority contrary to Ontario Regulation 163/06 under the Conservation Authorities Act. The resident received the fine of $15,000 in addition to a Restoration Order being placed on the property.
Within the Lower Trent Conservation watershed jurisdiction, any development activities in or adjacent to river or stream valleys, the Lake Ontario shoreline (including the Bay of Quinte), the Rice Lake shoreline, watercourses, hazardous lands and/or wetlands are regulated under Ontario Regulation 163/06 – Lower Trent Region Conservation Authority: Regulation of Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses. “Any development activities within a regulated area require permission from the Conservation Authority prior to the commencement of any on-site works” says Manager, Watershed Management, Planning and Regulations, Gage Comeau.
The prosecution and fine are a strong reminder that contractors and landowners have an obligation to conduct their own due diligence prior to undertaking any development activities and ensure they are abiding by environmental protection laws.
“We encourage landowners to contact us prior to initiating development or site alteration on a property so that permitting requirements can be confirmed as early as possible in the planning stages,” adds Comeau. “Mapping is available to the public on our website at LTC.on.ca through the `Planning & Permits’ tab as well as an on-line property inquiry tool.” Encouraging the public to utilize this tool he says, “We will provide written comments, as well as the option to request a map and/or site visit, stating whether a property is likely to be affected by Conservation Authority policies and regulation. A response to the property inquiry provides a formal record of the inquiry and offers valuable information to the client when making decisions to purchase, build on, or undertake development activities (i.e., site grading, placement of material and/or construction/placement of a structure) on the site. We encourage everyone to use this tool to avoid situations like this.”
As a final note, Comeau states, “The intent of the regulation and permitting process is to ensure that the control of flooding, erosion, dynamic beaches, pollution and the conservation of land are not negatively impacted by the activity that is being proposed. It’s measures like these that help to protect peoples’ lives and property,”
For more information on the regulation and permitting process please visit LTC.on.ca and click on Planning & Permits.
Attached Photo: A wetland within Lower Trent Conservation’s Watershed
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
