<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div><div><div>Good Day,</div><div><br></div><div>A reminder that tomorrow (Friday, March 22nd) at 5:30pm is our regular bi-weekly Update Meeting on Zoom. Join us to discuss the latest on Bill 162 - The Get It Done Act, the massive farmland industrial assembly happening in Wilmot Township, a fantastic Kitchener Inclusionary Zoning Win, the latest breaking news on Highway #413, and other important updates:</div><div><br></div><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09">https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09</a> </div><div><br></div></div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;">Here’s the latest news:</div></div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><br></div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><b style="font-size: 14px;">0) Breaking News - Federal Government Backtracks On Environmental Assessment Requirement for Highway #413 -</b> In an astounding decision, the Federal government has filed a joint application with the province of Ontario to withdraw the Environmental Assessment for Highway #413. This deal with the province could allow this Greenbelt destroying highway to proceed without proper studies or consultation. We need to speak up and let federal MP’s know that Ontario citizens do not want this highway. Federal MP contact information is listed at the bottom of this e-mail. Learn more at:</div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><br></div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Environmental Defence - Potential Cancellation of Highway #413 Impact Assessment is a Gross Abdication of Responsibility:</div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://environmentaldefence.ca/2024/03/21/potential-cancellation-of-highway-413-impact-assessment-is-a-gross-abdication-of-responsibility/">https://environmentaldefence.ca/2024/03/21/potential-cancellation-of-highway-413-impact-assessment-is-a-gross-abdication-of-responsibility/</a></div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Pointer - Ottawa To Remove Impact Assessment Designation From Highway 413 Project, A Dark Day For Environmental Protection:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://thepointer.com/article/2024-03-21/ottawa-removes-impact-assessment-designation-from-highway-413-project-a-dark-day-for-environmental-protection">https://thepointer.com/article/2024-03-21/ottawa-removes-impact-assessment-designation-from-highway-413-project-a-dark-day-for-environmental-protection</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>1) Bill 162 - The Get It Done Act -</b></span> Bill 162 continues to raise concerns across the province and while we originally only had until 11:59pm tonight to submit comments the province has just posted a surprise 7 day extension on the ERO until March 28th:</div><div><br></div><div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>ERO - Get It Done Act, 2024 - Amending the Official Plan Adjustments Act, 2023</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-8273">https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-8273</a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Please be sure to make a submission - even if it is only a sentence or two with your concerns about this Bill that will be so brutal for or Halton Region and Waterloo Region that will see forced boundary expansions destroying Regional Official Plans and causing the unnecessary destruction of thousands of acres of irreplaceable farmland. The omnibus bill also includes changes to land expropriation and environmental reviews to facilitate highway construction that are very concerning along with Doug Ford’s attempt to block future carbon taxes.</div><div><br></div><div>Waterloo Regional Council spent much of last night’s Council meeting fighting to send a Staff Report on Bill 162 to the province expressing concerns about forcing open urban boundaries to needlessly allow absurd development on essential groundwater recharge areas of the Waterloo Moraine. Developers were out in force including even the Vice-President of massive Mattamy Homes. Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic disgracefully did everything he could to try to prevent the Regional Staff Report expressing groundwater concerns from being sent to the province. Thankfully, Mayor Vrbanovic's motion for the developers failed and the Regional Reports (links below) will be sent to the ERO and province. Please feel free to reference/include this report in your submission:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Region of Waterloo Staff Report Expressing Concerns About Bill 162 On Drinking Water Supply:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://pub-regionofwaterloo.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=7165">https://pub-regionofwaterloo.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=7165</a></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://pub-regionofwaterloo.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=7166">https://pub-regionofwaterloo.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=7166</a></div><div><br></div><div>Astonishingly, I (Kevin T.) have been selected to appear on Wednesday at Queen’s Park before the Standing Committee on Bill 162 so I will try my best to present our concerns about these forced boundary expansions, the destruction of our visionary Regional Official Plans, the drinking water concerns Regional Staff is raising, the troubling EA changes to facilitate new highways such as Hwy #413, and the many other disturbing aspects of this Bill. Please write your MPP to express concern and ensure there is a strong public record of how this current provincial government is forever changing our communities. </div><div><br></div></div></div><div><br></div><div><b style="font-size: 14px;">2) Wilmot Farmland Development Assembly - </b>Yesterday was the absurdly short deadline for area farmers to respond to purchase agreements to their farms or face the threat of expropriation proceedings. It is horrifying to see area farmers and landowners being forced into such high-pressure tactics to acquire their lands, homes, and take away their farms and livelihoods with only days notice - driving families off farms that have been in their families for generations and is some of the best prime farmland in Ontario.</div><div><br></div><div>No sort of development, let alone a massive industrial/automotive plant has ever been contemplated in this distant, rural part of Wilmot Township far from necessary infrastructure, transportation, water, sewage, and power requirements. It is protected Prime Agriculture lands far across the Countryside Line in what should be some of the most secure lands in Canada - particularly if we value food production.</div><div><br></div><div>Wilmot Township Councillors are all refusing to answer any questions and are directing any inquiries to Township Staff who are directing people to Regional Staff and Council. Alfred Lowrick, an area landowner designated as a spokesperson by all the impacted farmers/landowners was allowed 3 minutes last night to address Regional Council which is unfair given the scope of destruction to their lives they are facing. Worse yet, citing legal issues Regional Chair Karen Redmond refused to allow any questions at the Council meeting leaving everyone in the dark as to what is happening. </div><div><br></div><div>No one is saying who is behind the purchase, why are offers so low, pressure tactics so high, and how come after years of integrated Regional Planning this surprise site has been suddenly proposed that is so incongruent with all previous long-term planning and efforts for good, sustainable planning, and public engagement. The expectations have been that new industries would be located on brownfield or greyfield sites, reclaimed aggregate pits, or lower quality lands, much closer to major urban centres with the necessary infrastructure, and that there would be every possible effort to protect - not target the highest quality rural farmland in the region such as this.</div><div><br></div><div>We all need to speak out and seek better solutions for this industrial expansion as there are many parts of our region that would welcome development such as this and it could be built with far less environmental and climate change impacts. Please write Regional and Wilmot Councillors (addresses at the bottom of this e-mail).</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Record - Wilmot Town Council Will Not Allow Farmers To Speak On Land Assembly:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/wilmot-town-council-will-not-allow-farmers-to-speak-on-land-assembly/article_e3ec5013-a1bc-5e44-8bc6-b8244cbfcce2.html">https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/wilmot-town-council-will-not-allow-farmers-to-speak-on-land-assembly/article_e3ec5013-a1bc-5e44-8bc6-b8244cbfcce2.html</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div><b style="font-size: 14px;">3) Kitchener Inclusionary Zoning Victory - </b>In an impressive demonstration of community engagement and activism after a marathon Kitchener City Council meeting starting at 1:30pm and finally finishing almost 12 hours later at 12:40am, Council voted unanimously in favour of implementing Inclusionary Zoning an other progressive regulations that will increase intensification around downtown Kitchener iON Light Rail stations. This will create 800+ affordable housing units over the next 10 years to help address our housing crisis for those who need it the most.</div><div><br></div><div>It was so great to see members of our group and numerous organizations across our community not only stand up to a sea of developers and paid consultants opposing these visionary proposals but deliver better delegations, expertly address questions, and win over Councillors hour after hour in decisions that many thought we would lose.</div><div><br></div><div>Kudos to Hal Jaeger, Laura New, Marilyn Hay, Kim Charlesworth, Gail Schenk, Peggy Nickels, Susan Lloyd-Swail, Yvonne Fernandes, Gail Pool, Mo Markham, Barbara Schumacher, Kae Elgie, and so many other community members who delegated so expertly, built websites, got hundreds of signatures on petitions, became experts on complicated zoning policies, and did everything possible to ensure that this extensive inclusionary zoning and transit station zoning framework succeeded. Not only will it help to transform the City of Kitchener but it sets a fantastic precedent for more sustainable cities and more affordable housing across Canada.</div><div><br></div></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Record - First Of It’s Kind: Kitchener Adopts Ambitious New Planning Rules Guiding Growth, Adding Affordable Units:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.therecord.com/news/council/first-of-its-kind-kitchener-adopts-ambitious-new-planning-rules-guiding-growth-adding-affordable-units/article_f682bdd4-fc43-5da6-9c30-26f4bee5da30.html">https://www.therecord.com/news/council/first-of-its-kind-kitchener-adopts-ambitious-new-planning-rules-guiding-growth-adding-affordable-units/article_f682bdd4-fc43-5da6-9c30-26f4bee5da30.html</a></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Note - this is a good explanation of the policies but gives no credit or quotes to citizen delegations and efforts that turned the tide and ensured success….</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Record - Inclusionary Zoning Won’t Fix The Housing Crisis But It’s A Start:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.therecord.com/opinion/columnists/inclusionary-zoning-wont-fix-the-housing-crisis-but-its-a-start/article_9e2746b5-3b0f-5821-b5e5-d6e7958f8cde.html">https://www.therecord.com/opinion/columnists/inclusionary-zoning-wont-fix-the-housing-crisis-but-its-a-start/article_9e2746b5-3b0f-5821-b5e5-d6e7958f8cde.html</a></div><div><br></div><div>Please watch for Inclusionary Zoning coming to Cambridge, the City of Waterloo, along with other communities and lets help to ensure that it succeeds there too.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>4) Next Round Coming? -</b></span> The Ford government apparently is nearing the release of the next round of legislation to help facilitate the construction of 1.5 million homes in the next 7 years. With housing starts falling dramatically and the Ford government continuing to fail to deliver much needed housing who knows what we could be in for and what might be coming next:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Global News - Ford Government Prepares Next Round Of Legislation To Build 1.5 Million Homes By 2031:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://globalnews.ca/news/10354978/ontario-housing-supply-bill-2024-preview/">https://globalnews.ca/news/10354978/ontario-housing-supply-bill-2024-preview/</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b style="font-size: 14px;">5) CELA Public Consultation Changes Action Alert -</b> The Canadian Environmental Law Society is raising alarm about a Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry posting currently on the ERO to change public notification requirements and exempt certain government proposals from needing to be posted on the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) one of the few remaining ways the public has to learn and respond to government proposals and new legislation. This is extremely concerning to see the provincial government again reducing consultation and removing the need to consider public comments before decisions are made. Learn more and speak up at:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>CELA Action Alert: Protecting Public Consultation Rights:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://cela.ca/protecting-public-consultation-rights/">https://cela.ca/protecting-public-consultation-rights/</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>6) Watershed Planning Abandonment - </b></span>Rachel Morgan of the Pointer has written an amazing article on how the Province’s focus on urban expansion, Highway #413, and gravel pits while reducing regulatory safeguards related to environmental assessment, wetlands, and conservation authorities are playing out in Caledon. </div><div><div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"> </p><div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">The article shows everyone across Ontario how the ecosystem approach to land use and watershed planning is being abandoned, what is at stake, and provides links to how local citizens can register for up-coming meetings in Caledon. It is a must read that can be found atL</div><div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><br></div><div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Pointer - Urban-Rural Divide: Residents Identify Significant Concern With Environmental Policy In Caledon’s New Official Plan:</div><div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://thepointer.com/article/2024-03-16/urban-rural-divide-residents-identify-significant-concern-with-environmental-policy-in-caledon-s-new-official-plan">https://thepointer.com/article/2024-03-16/urban-rural-divide-residents-identify-significant-concern-with-environmental-policy-in-caledon-s-new-official-plan</a></div><div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><br></div><div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><br></div><div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><div><b><span style="font-size: 14px;">7) Brantford Land Trust New Properties - </span></b>Kudos to Mary Lou Knectel and everyone who has helped the Brant Land Trust acquire its first two properties. It’s been a long community lead process and it is fantastic to see these lands permanently protected:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Hamilton Spectator - Brant Land Trust Acquires Two Unique Properties In Brantford and Brant County:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.thespec.com/news/hamilton-region/brant-land-trust-acquires-two-unique-properties-in-brantford-and-brant-county/article_8e2edb2c-66f1-5ea9-a0f9-b5da62664083.html">https://www.thespec.com/news/hamilton-region/brant-land-trust-acquires-two-unique-properties-in-brantford-and-brant-county/article_8e2edb2c-66f1-5ea9-a0f9-b5da62664083.html</a></div><div><br></div><div><br><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text" width="100%" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-variant-caps: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-spacing: 0px; overflow: hidden; min-width: 100%; width: 664px; table-layout: fixed;"></table></div></div><div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>8) Keep the Greenbelt Promise Survey -</b></span> The folks at Keep The Greenbelt Promise have are seeking opinions on the next phase of the Keep The Greenbelt Campaign. Take a few minutes to complete his survey at:</div><div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><br></div><div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdu6xhwQuK2wTEDHKVvfXrRtVbarPuohap4qtlo2JiU6eqT_A/viewform">https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdu6xhwQuK2wTEDHKVvfXrRtVbarPuohap4qtlo2JiU6eqT_A/viewform</a></div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>9) Recent Articles </b></span>- Include record low housing starts, air pollution in Canada worse than the US, and Doug Ford's troubling changes to our legal system:</div><div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Trillium - Ford Shuts Door on Fourplexes:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/housing/ford-shuts-door-on-as-of-right-fourplexes-ending-cabinet-back-and-forth-8491717">https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/housing/ford-shuts-door-on-as-of-right-fourplexes-ending-cabinet-back-and-forth-8491717</a></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>In short - Ford is a NIMBY who wants more farmland paved over by his sprawl developer friends.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Record - 2024 Off To A Slow Start For New Housing As Construction Tumbles In Waterloo Region:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/2024-off-to-a-slow-start-for-new-housing-as-construction-tumbles-in-waterloo-region/article_e10b708b-7886-503d-839b-bd4f2ef9bb5f.html">https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/2024-off-to-a-slow-start-for-new-housing-as-construction-tumbles-in-waterloo-region/article_e10b708b-7886-503d-839b-bd4f2ef9bb5f.html</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Record - Jane’s Walks Hit Waterloo Region Trails and Sidewalks In May:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/janes-walks-hit-waterloo-region-trails-and-sidewalks-in-may/article_2d9bb038-7301-51c7-b347-b0519f22fcb9.html">https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/janes-walks-hit-waterloo-region-trails-and-sidewalks-in-may/article_2d9bb038-7301-51c7-b347-b0519f22fcb9.html</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Toronto Star - Bonnie Crombie Distances Her Liberals From Justin Trudeau’s Carbon Levy:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/bonnie-crombie-distances-her-liberals-from-justin-trudeaus-carbon-levy/article_6e051902-e5ff-11ee-837c-1797c15a6695.html">https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/bonnie-crombie-distances-her-liberals-from-justin-trudeaus-carbon-levy/article_6e051902-e5ff-11ee-837c-1797c15a6695.html</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>TVO Today - Will Bonnie Crombie’s New Housing Policy Light A Fire Under The Ford Government?:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/will-bonnie-crombies-new-housing-policy-light-a-fire-under-the-ford-government">https://www.tvo.org/article/will-bonnie-crombies-new-housing-policy-light-a-fire-under-the-ford-government</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Toronto Star - Canada More Polluted Than US For First Time, World Air Quality Report Finds:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/canada-more-polluted-than-u-s-for-first-time-world-air-quality-report-finds/article_8e5d152a-e608-11ee-aef7-7f6292f74691.html">https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/canada-more-polluted-than-u-s-for-first-time-world-air-quality-report-finds/article_8e5d152a-e608-11ee-aef7-7f6292f74691.html</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Record - Doug Ford Is Recklessly Bending The Legal System To His Will - And It’s Not The First Time He’s Meddled:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.therecord.com/politics/political-opinion/doug-ford-is-recklessly-bending-the-legal-system-to-his-will-and-its-not-the/article_39fe513b-fc0d-5cea-ab6d-e1ef7a32adc2.html">https://www.therecord.com/politics/political-opinion/doug-ford-is-recklessly-bending-the-legal-system-to-his-will-and-its-not-the/article_39fe513b-fc0d-5cea-ab6d-e1ef7a32adc2.html</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Toronto Star - Ontario Had Almost Eliminated Electricity Emissions. Since Doug Ford Came To Power, Gas Plant Use Has Tripled:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/ontario-had-almost-eliminated-electricity-emissions-since-doug-ford-came-to-power-gas-plant-use/article_cac90930-e6e7-11ee-8e6f-9b810be4bf43.html">https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/ontario-had-almost-eliminated-electricity-emissions-since-doug-ford-came-to-power-gas-plant-use/article_cac90930-e6e7-11ee-8e6f-9b810be4bf43.html</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b style="font-size: 14px;">10) New Protected Places In Ontario! -</b> More good news this time from Ontario Nature as more than 12,000 hectares of protected areas in Southern Ontario have been officially accepted into the Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas Database. Lead by three municipalities and one conservation authorities this is an important step in achieving 2030 targets to protect 30% of our land. Learn more at:</div></div><div><br></div><div></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://ontarionature.org/meeting-30-x-30-an-ambitious-target-blog/">https://ontarionature.org/meeting-30-x-30-an-ambitious-target-blog/</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>11) Great Salamander Protection Efforts in Burlington - </b></span>All our communities can learn from the fantastic efforts to protect endangered Jefferson salamanders in Burlington. CORE Burlington has been educating and increasing awareness with an impressive new campaign, signage and even a brilliant children’s book (attached below). Learn more at:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.coreburlington.com/save-our-salamanders">https://www.coreburlington.com/save-our-salamanders</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>12) Federal Climate Action Survey - </b></span>The Federal government is seeking input on their 2035 Climate Action Target and how our country should reach a zero-emisions future. Big Oil is encouraging their supporters to fill out the survey and we need to ensure a strong voice for climate action. Please speak up at:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://canada-2035-target.ethelo.net/page/how-to-participate">https://canada-2035-target.ethelo.net/page/how-to-participate</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div><b style="font-size: 14px;">13) Tri-Counties - Green Development Standards Public Visioning Sessions -</b> March 25th Wellington County, March 26th Dufferin County, March 27th Grey County. It is fantastic to see our rural counties making progress on the development of rural green development standards that have been so impactful and effective in other communities. Learn more, attend, and support these initiatives at:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.wellington.ca/en/resident-services/pl-green-development-standards.aspx#What-is-the-schedule-for-completing-the-GDS">https://www.wellington.ca/en/resident-services/pl-green-development-standards.aspx#What-is-the-schedule-for-completing-the-GDS</a></div><div><br></div></div><div><br></div><div><div><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>14) Conserving Farmland on the Urban Fringe - </b></span>Tom Nudds has drafted an excellent document (attached below) about conserving farmland - particularly on the urban fringe in Wellington County. He’s proposing some innovative ideas for monetizing ecological goods and services to help intensify development and conserve farmland. We’ll discuss this at an upcoming coming meeting. In the meantime, learn more in the document below and reach out to Tom at:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.uoguelph.ca/ib/nudds">https://www.uoguelph.ca/ib/nudds</a></div><div><br></div></div><div><br></div><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div><div><div><b style="font-size: 14px;">15) Reminder - Next Meeting</b><b><span style="font-size: 14px;"> -</span></b> Join us tomorrow, <span dir="ltr">Friday, March 22nd at 5:30pm</span> to discuss the latest news and what’s next:</div><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div><br></div><div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Topic: Grand River Watershed Bill 23 Bi-Weekly Zoom Meeting</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Time: Every Other <span dir="ltr">Friday at 5:30pm EST</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;"><br></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Join Zoom Meeting</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09">https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;"><br></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Meeting ID: <span dir="ltr">826 4469 5701</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span dir="ltr">Passcode: 713374</span></div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div>Thanks for all the great efforts so far - please share any questions or ideas.</div><div><div id="ydp9fa07544yiv0892781770yqtfd24641" class="ydp9fa07544yiv0892781770yqt1303954863"><br clear="none"><div dir="ltr"><div style="caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42); color: rgb(38, 40, 42);"><span class="ydp9fa07544yiv0892781770ydp8bacb94dyiv1865983000Apple-style-span">Cheers,</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42); color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">Kevin Thomason and Mike Marcolongo on behalf of all our community groups.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><br></div><div><b style="font-size: 14px;">-----------------------------------</b></div><div><div><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42); color: rgb(38, 40, 42);"><font style="font-size: 14px;">A) Upcoming Events</font></b></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div></div><div><br></div><div>ERO Deadline Get It Done Act Amending the Official Plan Adjustments Act, 2024 -<strike> Deadline Today! - Thursday, March 21st </strike>— Extended, Thursday March 29th - <a href="https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-8273">https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-8273</a></div><div><br></div><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><span dir="ltr">Friday, March 22nd</span><b style="caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42); color: rgb(38, 40, 42);"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> <span dir="ltr">- 5:30pm</span> - Next update meeting on Zoom - </span><a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09" style="font-weight: 400;">https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09</a></b></div><div><br></div><div>Monday, March 25th - Wellington County Public Visioning Session on Green Development Standards - <a href="https://www.wellington.ca/en/resident-services/pl-green-development-standards.aspx#What-is-the-schedule-for-completing-the-GDS">https://www.wellington.ca/en/resident-services/pl-green-development-standards.aspx#What-is-the-schedule-for-completing-the-GDS</a></div><div><br></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42); color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">Thursday, March 28th at 7pm - Watershed 4 Event by Wellington Water Watchers on Decolonizing and Water Justice. Register at: </span><a href="https://www.wellingtonwaterwatchers.ca/watershed_4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.wellingtonwaterwatchers.ca/watershed_4</a></div><div><br></div></div></div></div></div><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div>Guelph Climate Action Network - Saturday, April 6 - 1:30pm - Climate Solutions Screening Bookshelf Cinema - <a href="https://jamesgordon.ca/guelph-climate-action-network">https://jamesgordon.ca/guelph-climate-action-network</a> </div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><b style="font-size: 14px;">-----------------------------------</b></div></div></div></div><div><b style="font-size: 14px;">B) The Get It Done Act, 2024</b></div><div><b style="font-size: 14px;"><br></b></div><div></div></div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></body></html>