Discussion on HCA board meeting of April 6:

• Several citizen letters in agenda package calling on HCA to press federal government to oppose changes to the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System (OWES).
• Alex Wilson noted these and advocated action, but staff said Conservation Ontario was the appropriate body to do this.
• There was a section 28 hearing on replacing a house on the lakefront in Stoney Creek with two houses. Staff recommended denial and board turned it down. Shoreline protection was insufficient. Richard noted elevation includes the 100-year flood level (IGLD 76.0m) plus wave action and other hazards adding 2.5 metres.
• Province has rejected Hamilton’s request to have five citizen members instead of three, so two additional councillors will be added. Supporting information. Council passed a resolution asking for reconsideration of the provincial decision. Several individuals applied by the April 6 deadline to be citizen board members.
• There was discussion and confirmation of a tour of some lands removed from the Greenbelt. This will take place on Saturday, April 15, starting at 10 am at Shoppers Drug Mart in Ancaster, corner of Wilson and Fiddler’s Green (47 Wilson Street West).
• Inaturalist site recording nature sightings has a section focused on Greenbelt removals where additional info can be posted.
• We decided to encourage individuals to respond to the water-taking permits sought by the Hamilton Golf and Country Club from Ancaster Creek, ponds and wells for irrigation, at least suggesting a 5-year rather than a 10-year approval in light of uncertain climate changes. Link to application and response form.