Natural heritage planning involves a system-based approach to the identification, protection, and wise use of resources. Natural heritage systems planning establishes an interconnected web of core natural areas, buffers, and corridors which support vital ecosystem services, such as flooding and erosion control, wildlife habitat, and improved air quality.

See the discussion paper Environment and Natural Heritage to learn about Provincial and current township policies. After reading, answer the discussion promoting questions below to express what you would like to see in the upcoming Official Plan.

1. Do you think that the existing policies for the Township’s Natural Heritage System are sufficient to

identify and protect key natural heritage features and key hydrologic features?

2. What features should be protected from impacts of development? Are there any particular features or areas in the Township that require special attention?

3. Biodiversity offsetting can be used as a strategy to compensate for the loss of a natural feature,

through the creation of a new natural feature at another location. Should the Township utilize this

strategy?

4. Please provide any other comments you may have for consideration in the development of new

policies.