Central Cataraqui Region Natural Heritage Study

An aerial view of Collins Creek shows wetlands, woodlands and nearby development. The Natural Heritage Study provides information about natural features, like wetlands and woodlands, as well as information on how to maintain them.

The Central Cataraqui Regional Natural Heritage Study is now complete. It was received by City of Kingston Council in August 2006 and by Loyalist Township Council in December 2006.

The CRCA worked on the study from 2005 to 2006 with the City of Kingston and Loyalist Township. The study identifies:

• a system of natural features and areas such as woodlands, wetlands and significant wildlife areas; and
• recommendations to maintain these natural features.

The Central Cataraqui Regional Natural Heritage Study provides data for municipal planners in the City of Kingston and Loyalist Township to update policies guiding new development to minimize its impact. It identifies systems of natural features and areas including wetlands, fish habitat, woodlands, endangered and threatened species habitat and areas of natural and scientific interest (ANSI).

The City of Kingston plans to use the study findings in its new official plan which is currently being developed. Loyalist Township plans to incorporate the study in its official plan update scheduled to begin in 2007.

Study findings will enable the municipalities’ planning documents to reflect new provincial planning policies. These outline the provincial interest in, and limits on, land use and development. Ontario’s planning policy statement obliges planning authorities to protect significant natural heritage features and areas by restricting some development or site alteration.

Unlike some areas of the province, relatively healthy, intact, natural communities thrive within the two municipalities. Further, natural corridors form a web of landforms and habitats contributing to regional biodiversity.

Anticipated benefits and subsequent actions by the study partners include:

• maintenance of a healthy and aesthetically pleasing environment,
• protection of water resources, and
• preservation of natural attractions.

Protecting natural features preserves traditional activities such as fishing, hunting, kayaking, canoeing, hiking and camping.

Public consultation was key throughout the process. The study was managed by a technical steering committee. A separate advisory committee represented the interests of environmental groups, woodlot owners, agriculture and developers and the general public. Two rounds of public consultation meetings provided eight opportunities for public comment. The Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority served as study consultant.

This study provides recommendations for stewardship initiatives to maintain and enhance the natural heritage system. In fact, the study helps identify priority locations for stewardship and rehabilitation efforts.

Other recommendations call for:

• Municipal bylaws to address woodland conservation, fill regulation and landscaping guidelines;
• Public acquisition of ecologically sensitive lands;
• Plans to manage ecologically sensitive areas and to encourage rehabilitation;
• Private sector involvement in stewardship and restoration programs; and
• Regular maintenance of the database and mapping to provide current data to decision makers.

Benefits for residents of the municipalities include:

• Study findings will help residents understand and appreciate natural features on their properties;
• These findings also may point property owners toward stewardship initiatives;
• Study findings will provide certainty for anyone interested in land acquisition; and
• Stewardship service providers may discover and fulfil new needs.

The study concludes with this observation:

“The quality of our lives is dependent on the quality of our environment . . . when making land use decisions, whether through municipal planning or private land management, consideration must be given to the broader perspective of ensuring long-term ecological health.”

Additional information may be obtained from:
Christine Woods, Ecological Planner
Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority
1641 Perth Road, P.O. Box 160
Glenburnie, ON, K0H 1S0
(613) 546-4228 ext. 235
E-mail: woods@cataraquiregion.on.ca

EVENTS | CONSERVATION SERVICES | COMMUNITY RELATIONS | CONSERVATION LANDS | RESOURCE MANAGEMENT | FOUNDATION

Contact Us:
P.O. Box 160, Glenburnie, Ontario, Canada K0H 1S0
Telephone: (613) 546-4228
E-mail: crca@cataraquiregion.on.ca

©2008 Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority