To: Watershed News Media
June 12, 2006
Kingston - The Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority (CRCA) is inviting public feedback concerning a natural heritage study conducted for Kingston and Loyalist Township.
"The study's basic purpose is to ensure that official plans for Kingston and Loyalist Township are consistent with the provincial planning policy concerning land use planning," explains CRCA Ecological Planner Christine Woods.
The study has been completed by the CRCA on behalf of the municipalities. The conservation authority's role is that of consultant because of its environmental expertise.
The provincial planning policy Ms. Woods mentions outlines Ontario's interests in land use and development. Those interests must be reflected in local planning documents such as official plans and zoning bylaws. The policy requires that significant natural heritage features be protected by restricting nearby development or site alteration.
A natural heritage study identifies natural features and areas. These include: wetlands, fish habitat, woodlands, endangered species habitat and areas of natural and scientific interest (ANSI). The study covers all rural and urban lands within Kingston and Loyalist Township.
The public may learn more and offer comments at any of three public consultation sessions:
All meetings run from 6 to 8 p.m. with a brief presentation at 7 p.m.
Work on the project began in the fall of 2004. In the spring of 2005, it was introduced to residents of the two municipalities at public consultation meetings.
"Since then, we've been refining the criteria used (for evaluating natural heritage features) and the maps as well as finishing our report that contains recommendations for policies and stewardship," says Ms. Woods.
So why does this study matter?
"The municipalities can use the information to guide development," says Ms. Woods. "The information can also be used to direct stewardship and rehabilitation efforts."
Ms. Woods says such studies are becoming more common.
"There have been a few natural heritage studies done in south-western Ontario in reaction to development, and natural heritage features are stressed by development," she says. "However, Kingston and Loyalist are proactive and are not waiting until natural features are gone before acting."
This project was overseen by two committees. A technical steering committee included staff from both municipalities as well as the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. A public advisory committee included representation from developers, agriculture, the academic community, environmental groups, the general public and municipal councillors.
For more information, check the CRCA website at: www.cataraquiregion.on.ca.
For more information call:
Christine Woods, Ecological Planner (613) 546-4228 ext. 235