G. Beggs, Director of Planning and Development, presented the report.
Mr. Palmer of The Planning Partnership presented an overview of the Howard Bouffard Secondary Plan, the elements contained therein, and the process moving forward, which includes a public consultation component.
Mr. Kauffman of LGL Consulting reviewed the process undertaken by LGL to inform the natural heritage system protection policy recommendations, explaining the sources of data collected, the policies reviewed, and the natural heritage features examined. He explained that there will be a consultation phase with stakeholders before the recommendations are refined and finalized for consideration.
Ms. Derbyshire presented before Council to express concerns about the lack of ecological corridors in the Plan. She explained the benefits of ecological corridors and that designing natural spaces that connect with other natural spaces helps wildlife move from one space to another for food and reproduction without crossing through developed areas.
Ms. Mills supported the presentation of Ms. Derbyshire and also explained that the Secondary Plan design should include ecological corridors and that the community's natural heritage features should be preserved. She urged for the completion of an environmental impact assessment report and was concerned that the current plan would eliminate important natural heritage lands that should be protected and conserved.