Ottawa Forests & Greenspace

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Kizell Wetlands

 

Regarding the status of the Kizell Wetlands, the committee approved the following motion:

Moved by L. Donohue

WHEREAS, the Kizell Wetland in the South March Highlands has been confirmed as a Provincially Significant Wetland by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) on the recommendation of Ottawa city staff;

WHEREAS, the Kizell Wetland is also recognized by OMNR and Ottawa city staff as significant habitat for a provincially threatened species (Blanding’s Turtle), and a provincial species of special concern (Snapping Turtle);

WHEREAS, the Algonquins of Ontario and West Quebec have both identified the greater area of the South March Highlands, including Kizell Wetland, as having historical and cultural significance to their communities;

WHEREAS under the Provincial Policy Statement and the City of Ottawa Official Plan, development and site alteration is not permitted in Provincially Significant Wetlands;

WHEREAS, according to OMNR regulations, Provincially Significant Wetlands should not be used as storm water management facilities;

WHEREAS, the Ontario Ministry of Environment’s Guidelines for Storm Water Management Planning and Design state that “use of natural wetlands for storm water quality enhancement is not allowed…”;

WHEREAS, the developer is required to meet all Department of Fisheries requirements to avoid harmful alteration, disruption, or destruction of fish habitat (HADD), which would all result from using Kizell Wetland as an outlet for untreated storm water;

WHEREAS, all of the Kizell Wetland area has been conveyed to the City of Ottawa or is destined for conveyance to the City;

WHEREAS, the city’s strategic priorities include: Improve Storm Water Management (ES1), Enhance and Protect Natural Systems (ES2), and Reduce Environmental Impact (ES3), and therefore, protecting the Kizell Wetland from storm water is consistent with all three stated city priorities;

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee (OFGAC) urges City Council to immediately designate Kizell Wetland as a Provincially Significant Wetland in the Official Plan and put in place strong protections for Kizell Wetland, including not allowing additional storm water facilities or capacity that will impact the wetland;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT OFGAC urges the city to require that any adjacent development meet stringent planning standards for environmental protection that will provide all adequate protections for Kizell Wetland, including the Beaver Pond, and the species that live there.

 

CARRIED

Related Minutes: http://ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/a-ofac/2011/09-26/minutes8.htm

 

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