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.
I'm posting a comment here that's not related to development, but is important for Seguin's natural environment. Seguin NEEDS a by-law on fireworks.
According to figures from the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal, fireworks were blamed for 129 fires and almost $2.5 million in damage in Ontario between 2009 and 2013.
In addition, fireworks expose humans and animals to toxic combustion chemicals. When fireworks explode, chemicals and small minerals are released into the air. Leftover particles fall to the ground, polluting waterways and posing a risk to both wildlife and humans.
Research shows that the loud sounds of fireworks causes significant distress in wild animals. Birds and other small mammals often abandon their nests leaving their babies behind. The panic can cause disorientation, making it difficult for wildlife to locate their homes.
We need to protect Seguin's natural environment by controlling fireworks.