Shoreline Conservation…

Shoreline Conservation Initiative for Peterborough County

Submission Supporting Section 3.5.5.n in Peterborough County’s new Official Plan

Environmental Registry of Ontario, ERO #019-5908

August 14, 2023

The Shoreline Conservation Initiative for Peterborough County (SCI) endorses Section 3.5.5.n of the new Official Plan of the County of Peterborough (OP) to facilitate land severances for conservation purposes. The section supports the significant work of land trusts such as the Kawartha Land Trust, a non-profit organization well-known and highly respected in Peterborough County for conservation of forests, wetlands, farmlands, and woodlots. Section 3.5.5.n in the new County OP states:

"Notwithstanding any other policy of this Plan to the contrary, the creation of new lots or the assembly of land through lot additions for conservation purposes by a recognized non-profit organization may be permitted within the boundaries of key natural heritage features and key hydrologic features without the need for a Natural Heritage Evaluation. This exception recognizes the intent to protect the feature and its functions for the long term. Lots created for such purpose will be placed in a separate zoning category, recognizing the lands for a conservation use. For clarity, the zoning may permit passive recreational uses, as well as buildings and structures outside of key features and vegetation protection zones provided they are used for conservation education purposes." (p. 60 of the Peterborough County new Official Plan).

The Shoreline Conservation Initiative for Peterborough County (SCI) is a volunteer group initiated in 2021 by the Environment Council for Clear, Stoney and White Lakes to promote natural shoreline preservation along the lakes and rivers across Peterborough County. We commend the long-term natural heritage protection achieved by land trusts such as the Kawartha Land Trust.

Thank you for the opportunity to acknowledge the importance of Section 3.5.5.n in the County’s new OP.

Mary E. Webb
Co-Chair, Shoreline Conservation Initiative for Peterborough County