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Crombie report hits the mark: Protect Ontario’s most vulnerable water resources - Environmental Communication Options/Huff Strategy

Crombie report hits the mark: Protect Ontario’s most vulnerable water resources

Dec 7th, 2015 11:37 AM

For Immediate Release December 7, 2015 Environmental groups applaud Advisory Panel for strong stance on protecting the region’s water Toronto - Growing the Greenbelt into areas of critical ecological and hydrological significance were among key recommendations put forward by David Crombie, Chair of the Coordinated Land Use Planning Review Advisory Panel, this afternoon in their report “Planning for Health, Prosperity and Growth in the Greater Golden Horseshoe: 2015-2041.” “We are thrilled to see that the Crombie Panel has recommended additional lands be added to the Greenbelt, focusing on vulnerable source water areas,” reported Joyce Chau, executive director of EcoSpark. “Ontarians were loud and clear that the protection of our water and natural systems needed to be elevated in areas beyond the Oak Ridges Moraine and adjoining the Greenbelt.” The report also highlights the untapped potential of the Greenbelt and Growth Plans to address climate change. “The Panel’s focus on climate change throughout this report is an important acknowledgement of what is possible with strong implementation of these plans,” says Caroline Schultz, executive director of Ontario Nature. “As we brace for extreme weather, flooding and droughts associated with climate change the enhancement of our natural systems is key to building resilience.” The Panel’s recommendations will inform the Province’s next steps as they prepare policy amendments early next year. “We are urging the government to act quickly to grow the Greenbelt during this review,” says Josh Garfinkel, senior campaigner at Earthroots. “Growth pressures are building quickly and we can’t afford to sit idle.” “We are indebted to David Crombie and members of the Advisory Panel as their advice will surely move us towards a more sustainable future,” says Debbe Crandall, policy advisor for STORM. “Now is the time for the Province to be bold and make these recommendations a reality to protect our land, water and communities.” Photo A: Oak Ridges Moraine forest stream. To use this photo, please credit Jonathan VanBilsen c/o EcoSpark. Click here for the full resolution photo. Photo B: Oak Ridges Moraine Meadow Forest Stream. To use this photo, please credit Jason Kalmbach c/o EcoSpark. Click here for the full resolution photo.
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Joshua Wise, Ontario Nature: 416-444-8419 ext. 273 (work), 647-860-1717 (cell), joshuaw@ontarionature.org The Oak Ridges Moraine Partnership is a coalition of Earthroots, EcoSpark, Ontario Nature and Save the Oak Ridges Moraine (STORM) Coalition. Our groups have been leading the charge to protect the Oak Ridges Moraine and important source water areas in the Greater Golden Horseshoe for more than 25 years. For more information please visit www.marvellousmoraine.ca. Attached photos can be used by crediting Jonathan VanBilsen (photo A) c/o EcoSpark, Jason Kalmbach (photo B) c/o EcoSpark.