MNR to educate council on Endangered Species Act
Posted Nov 20, 2009 By Theresa Fritz
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Tweet ThisEMC News - The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) will be asked to have a representative come and talk to Arnprior town council about the impact of the Endangered Species Act on municipal planning.
"It really will have an impact on planning," said councillor Eric Burton of the act, during the Nov. 9 town council meeting. "The legislation was passed in 2007 but the real teeth (of the act) are coming to play now."
It was on June 30, 2008 that the Endangered Species Act (ESA) 2007 came into effect, making Ontario a North American leader in the protection and recovery of species at risk and their habitats.
Burton said he spoke with County of Renfrew planner Bruce Howarth and Howarth told him council could have an MNR representative come and talk about the act and its impact in Arnprior.
Councillor Jack Lammert objected to the suggestion, saying the act was a matter between Queen's Park and the County of Renfrew.
"I don't really see the need for us to get involved with MNR," he said, but he said if the information were for education purposes, he would not object.
Councillor Mark Willmer suggested the request to the MNR should be made to help educate council.
"It (act) is a county-province issue but it could be handled from an education standpoint," Willmer noted.
"So, we will ask the MNR to come to council and ask them to speak on the Endangered Species Act," said mayor Terry Gibeau.
Council agreed with that recommendation.
