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3 | The IFP -H alton H ills | T hursday,D ecem ber 17,2020 theifp.ca Our 20th An nual 45 Mountainview Road North, Georgetown, Ontario 905.877.7958 e-mail: hassellsauto@bellnet.ca • www.hassellautomotive.comSALES & SERVICE HASSELL AUT - Oil & Filter (Includes up to 6 litres regular oil.) - Complete top to bottom check over. - Installation of winter tires (already on rims) included. - $5.00 Tim's Card - Windshield Washer Fluid - 12 Pack of Pop EXTRAS $9495*Call for an Appointment Prices are +HST $7495*7495* Only Synthetic oil (up to 6 litres)*Most Vehicles. hassell automotive sales & service 45Mountainview RoadNorth, Georgetown, Ontario 905.877.7958 e-mail: hassellsauto@bellnet.ca • www.hassellautomotive.com Silver 2018 Halton Hills Our 21st Annua l NOWON!HASSELL AUTOMOTIVE Super WINTER Specia l The president of Conserva- tion Halton says he is shocked and disappointed with a last- minute provincial decision to amend a section of Bill 229, which he argues will hinder the ability of conservation authorities to protect the environment. In a Tuesday, Dec. 8 state- ment, president and CEO Has- saan Basit noted that construc- tive conversations had taken place with Minister of Environ- ment, Conservation and Parks Jeff Yurek to address recent changes to the Conservation Au- thorities Act. Basit took issue with these amendments, noting in mid-No- vember that they outlined a pro- cess whereby developers and others could go around the con- servation authorities to have per- mits approved by the province. Conservation Halton (CH) is a community-based environmen- tal agency that protects local eco- systems in partnership with its watershed municipalities. Part of its work has involved the reg- ulation of development. Basit said discussions with the province followed, for which he was grateful, noting the open dialogue led to some positive amendments regarding plan- ning, enforcement, governance, and the ability for CH to continue responsible management of its parks without unnecessary bu- reaucratic red tape. The local conservation au- thority head, however, said he is extremely disappointed to learn of a last-minute amendment and several other changes that were not addressed. "The most egregious addition- al amendment prohibits conser- vation authorities from denying permits for developments if pre- sented with a Minister Zoning Order (MZO) issued by the min- ister of municipal affairs and housing," said Basit. "This amendment, despite the ability to attach conditions to permits, may significantly weak- en our ability to make consistent, science-based watershed man- agement decisions in the interest of public health and safety." Basit also took issue with how quickly the amendments were passed on Dec. 8 He said CH will continue to study the legislation in greater detail in the coming days. A spokesperson with the Min- istry of Municipal Affairs and Housing said following consulta- tions with conservation authori- ties and others, the government made amendments to provide clarity to some elements of the proposal and refine the details to ensure the changes can be effec- tively implemented and put con- servation authorities in the best position to deliver their core mandate. "In the coming weeks, the gov- ernment will quickly be moving forward with consulting on a se- ries of proposed regulations," NEWS CONSERVATION HALTON OPPOSES BILL 229 AMENDMENT SAYS NEW RULES WILL LET DEVELOPERS OVERRIDE CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES DAVID LEA dlea@metroland.com See LOCAL, page 10 Nancy Hyatt-Jacobs was among those from Sustainable Milton who showed their support for Ontario's conservation authorities, demonstrating out front of MPP Parm Gill's Main Street constituency office. Graham Paine/Metroland