Wetland dreams: Pointe Louise neighbours not convinced

This is the continuation of a SooToday.com article on the Pointe Louise development proposal. Click here to return to the beginning of this article.

************************* Tesolin says the conservation authority is obligated by provincial regulations on development, interference with wetlands and alterations to shorelines and watercourses to deny Chant's application.

"The proposed development does not fall within the limited scope of board authority to consider permitting this proposal inside a wetland area," he said. "Development types to be considered [are] limited to public infrastructure (e.g. roads, sewers, flood and erosion control works), various utilities (e.g. pipelines), conservation or restoration projects, development associated with public parks (e.g. passive or low intensity outdoor recreation and education, trail system)."

Tesolin identified the Pointe Louise wetland as a coastal wetland, one of few left on the St. Mary's River, and as part of a larger wetland complex.

Tesolin said the Pointe Louise wetland is more than 40 hectares in size and requires a 120-metre buffer.

Chant's draft study clearly indicates that the hydrologic function of that wetland as well as its ability to function as a fish and wildlife and vegetation habitat would be destroyed by the proposed Pointe Estates development, Tesolin said.

Gagnon and Gartshore are relieved and not surprised that Tesolin recommended that the conservation authority not grant Chant conditional approvals to proceed with development of Pointe Estates.

But they still plan to continue the work of the Pointe Protection Association, even if the authority closes the door on that development.

They hope to reclaim some of the damaged wetland, continue efforts to declare it a provincially significant wetland and to maybe even have the area designated a conservancy some day so it can be protected for their grandchildren and for the sake of the Pointe Louise wetland itself.

************************* Earlier SooToday.com coverage of this story

Big development conceived for Pointe des Chenes area More about the proposed Pointe Louise canal Residents swarm meeting about Point Louise project Pointe Louise development still under consideration

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