Planning Solutions
Land use planning decisions can not only alter natural landscapes such as woodlands, but these decisions can also greatly affect water quality and aquatic ecosystems. In this part of the Annual Report, the ECO reviews a number of land use planning policy decisions that can affect both terrestrial and aquatic environments.
In this reporting year, the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) updated and created a few policies related to land use planning. It updated the Natural Heritage Reference Manual, a document that provides valuable guidance on implementing natural heritage policies of the Provincial Policy Statement, 2005. MNR created a new policy for its long-running and successful Conservation Land Tax Incentive Program and a new policies and procedures document that outlines conservation authorities’ valuable roles in land use planning review and permitting.
Traditionally, land use planning tended to focus on the impacts development could have on the land. Today, the government’s focus is shifting to acknowledge that land use affects our water. In response to the Walkerton tragedy that took place 11 years ago, the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) created a new program for source water protection under the Clean Water Act, 2006. MOE’s recent regulation amendments to establish source protection plan requirements are a key step to implementing this Act.
When the amount of phosphorus that enters a lake increases, it can significantly alter the water quality and degrade the habitat of cold water fish species. There are many sources of phosphorus, including activities associated with development along the shorelines and within a watershed. Recent ministry decisions, such as MNR’s Lakeshore Capacity Assessment Handbook and MOE’s Lake Simcoe Phosphorus Reduction Strategy, present solutions to controlling and reducing the amount of phosphorus entering specific lakes in Ontario.
Urban stormwater runoff is a major source of phosphorus and other pollutants. It can cause flooding and erosion, and alter stream channels and aquatic habitat. Stormwater management facilities reduce the impacts of urban development on water bodies. The ECO discusses the management of stormwater management facilities and MOE’s oversight to ensure the infrastructure continues to function properly.
| Previous section: Recognizing the Need for Green Infrastructure |
| Next section: Connecting the Green Dots: The Natural Heritage Reference Manual |
| This is an article from the 2010/11 Annual Report to the Legislature from the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario. |
Citing This Article:
Environmental Commissioner of Ontario. 2011. "Planning Solutions." Engaging Solutions, ECO Annual Report, 2010/11. Toronto: The Queen's Printer for Ontario. 51.
