Credit Valley Conservation is sounding the alarm over a new provincial bill that is making changes to the Conservation Authorities Act and Planning Act.
Nestled inside Bill 229, is a change that’ll allow the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to issue permits to developers on behalf of conservation authorities in hazardous areas.
CEO Deborah Martin-Downs says this could pave the way for developments to continue before scientific vetting is completed.
She says CVC is prepared to help the province build affordable housing quickly but wants to ensure it’s done properly.
Martin-Downs says these changes may greenlight the construction of homes on eroding terrain causing safety hazards and skyrocketing insurance premiums.
The province says the new rules would “increase accountability, consistency and transparency by streamlining the land use planning process.”