Councillor Mac Bain says he'll withdraw a pair of controversial motions dealing with endangered species, and has replaced them with two that include public consultation.
"I have to apologize for how I rolled out the two resolutions last week for Provincially Significant Wetlands and the Species at Risk Act," Bain says in an email. "I did not adequately explain what we were trying to accomplish with the resolutions."
See: Bain to withdraw controversial endangered species motions
Bain wants the Province to change the border in the Provincial Policy Statement to recognize the former delineation of Northern Ontario, that being the French River.
"The City could then use the flexibility currently in the Provincial Policy Statement to allow minimal development in a wetland, where it is demonstrated that there would be no negative impacts on the natural features or ecological functions of the Provincially Significant Wetland," explains Bain. "Presently we are under the same rules as Eastern, Central and Southern Ontario.
"When I was a kid the Province recognized Northern Ontario as everything north of the French River. That is what we are suggesting the Province consider. So we are asking that the Province move the line back, so we would have the same Northern Ontario rules as the balance of the North."
Bain admits he did not clearly articulate that the City of North Bay implemented the requested policy in the past, in a manner that demonstrated no net loss to the natural features or ecological features of the PSS.
"This policy was used sparingly, but when used, it was agreed to by local community groups and regulatory authorities that the tests to ensure no negative impacts on the natural features or ecological functions were met.
"With regard to the Species at Risk, the Province has started a review of the Act. We would like council to provide input to the review after consulting with the community. The main issue is that Species at Risk is in the Planning Act so Municipalities can approve a development today that can move a Species Habitat. But the Ministry of Natural Resources also has jurisdiction under Species at Risk Act. There have been times when the MNR has stopped development without, communicating with us on our Planning Process. So I would like jurisdiction to be clarified so to aid development, and so it happens responsibly."
One revised motion requests that the Province of Ontario review the Provincial Policy Statement to re-establish the boundary line referenced in Figure 1 of the Provincial Policy Statement to the former recognized location of Northern Ontario as being north of the French River as shown in red on the Map to this motion;
"And whereas the flexibility of allowing minimal development where it was demonstrated that there would be no negative impacts on the natural features or ecological functions of the area (including Provincially Significant Wetland);
"And whereas that before the requested policy change can be implemented that the Municipality be required to update their Official Plan policy which will including public consultation on the proposed changes to ensure that the implementation of such change reflects the local circumstance."
The second revised motion says the Province of Ontario is currently undertaking the “10th Year Review of Ontario’s Endangered Species Act: Discussion Paper” to improve protection for species at risk, as well as, look for ways to streamline approvals and provide clarity to support economic development.
Bain wants city staff to prepare a submission to the Province on that discussion paper which will include public consultation and a report to Council.