[All] Barrie's Lake update & Cambridge Workshop

Tue May 5 14:26:00 EDT 2015

The Region of Waterloo did a good job of allocating money and putting in the nesting beds for the turtles to provide an alternative to the hazards they have faced - it's not often that they are looked after in this way.  Unfortunately, the farmer has messed it up.  Why didn't you inform the Region, since they have a stake in this project which they initiated?  I believe there was a good measure of consultation in planning for the turtle nests - it certainly came to the attention of two groups I'm associated with.  We need to help the Region succeed in this new kind of initiative and expand the program to other  areas where it might be needed.  The Region is a good ally on this one.

I think you may be confusing the Highland Ridge West subdivision on the south side of the railway tracks that flank the southern edge of Barrie's lake, and the Cambridge West Master Environmental Servicing Plan on the north side, where Barrie's Lake is.  I was on the EEAC subcommittee that devoted considerable work to evaluating the Highland Ridge subdivision plans and twice sent it back for revision and additional studies, including hydrology.  The only species of interest that showed up in that study was pin oak, and the protection of those trees is ensured.  This is all on the public record.

- Greg Michalenko
________________________________
From: All [all-bounces at gren.ca] on behalf of Louisette Lanteigne [butterflybluelu at rogers.com]
Sent: Monday, May 04, 2015 11:47 PM
To: GREN >
Subject: [All] Barrie's Lake update & Cambridge Workshop

Hi folks

I filed a formal complaint using the MNR tip line earlier last week to flag the issue of the lack of critical habitat delineation prior to approval of Highland Ridge West subdivision. The call was made before I saw the photos of the turtle habitat destruction around Barrie's Lake.  I was able to give them the update about that, how the tractor ran over breeding areas and how corn is being planted right up to the edge of the nesting zone.

I told the MNR official how both farming activities and the subdivision are all happening within the capture zone of the lake. The area is naturally a giant basin really. I visited it last week to do a litter clean up. I was on the site and a small plane flew over my head as I was picking up the trash. 10 minutes later a Police forensic van pulls up beside me with a cop asking me what I'm doing there. I simply pointed to the pile of unbagged garbage and told him I was cleaning up the litter. I found it rather odd. I was standing there in mom jeans and fluorescent pink T-shirt with trash in my hands. I'm thinking he's a forensic officer. Did he really have to ask? Either way he gave me a thumbs up and off he went.

So back to that conversation with the MNR officer. I offered to show them mapping featuring the direction of flow to the pond but they said it won't be needed because they have their own topography maps. I noted how previous EIS reports for this area note the presence of several Species At Risk and how it inspired the Part II order requests submitted with the MOE regarding the Cambridge Master Environmental Servicing Plan regarding these same lands.

I put the focus on Jefferson Salamanders in particular because they are the ones most documented in the EA reports and their habitat range would afford greater protection than other species because they are bound to the pond of their birth and unlike many of the animals listed, the criteria for habitat delineation is already complete and enshrined in the Ontario Endangered Species Act.  The law protects 300m around breeding ponds plus 1km habitat range and the protection of surrounding ponds for population expansion.

So the MNR is going to review all this thank heavens. I'm hoping if the critical habitat maps are drawn, it will afford Barrie's Lake and surrounding natural features with the protection it deserves while negating the need to continue towards a full OMB hearing.

I'll keep you updated.

In the mean time, there is an important workshop happening THIS THURSDAY in Cambridge to discuss the strategic master plan. This spot is the best time speak out about the need to protect ecological areas, avoid pit risks to aquifers and push for sustainability objectives. Details here:

http://www.cambridge.ca/the_office_of_the_chief_administrative_officer/cambridge_connected_our_voice_our_vision

Have a good one folks!

Lulu :0)
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