OFA wrote to the Honourable Graydon Smith (Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry) regarding the Ontario Regulation 41/24: Prohibited Activities, Exemptions and Permits, under the Conservation Authorities Act.
OFA members are deeply concerned about the following issues presented through the new regulations:
- Wetland mapping in Eastern Ontario
- New regulatory powers for conservation authorities
- Restrictions on in-field erosion control structures
- Permitting offline ponds for irrigation
- Agricultural representation to Conservation Authority boards
Ontario’s farmers are very proud of their role in environmental stewardship. It is a responsibility that we take very seriously. We proudly produce safe, high quality and reliable food, fibre, fuel, and flowers to consumers at home and abroad.
OFA requests further discussions to explore alternative approaches to meeting the conservation authority mandate of protecting people and property from flooding and other natural hazards, while still ensuring our farmers can produce food without the threat of burdensome regulations or the accompanying lost productivity of our farmland.