The creation of a Natural Heritage Committee of the Whole was approved by Chatham-Kent Council at their Monday, September 27, 2021 virtual meeting.
A staff report listing the terms of reference for the new committee, which will consist of every member of Council, was given the green light.
“This would allow for an expeditious establishment of the (committee) and enable all Council members to participate on the (committee),” a staff report indicates.
“The composition of the (committee) could then be revisited and potentially restructured as an advisory committee of Council subsequent to the 2022 Municipal election. During this initial phase, public involvement could be provided at the direction of the (committee).”
The mandate of the committee is to provide input and perspectives on strategic natural heritage matters relating to Municipally-led initiatives, a staff report indicates.
Specifically, the committee will provide input on the following:
– Council’s woodlot preservation Motion
– The Municipality’s Natural Heritage Implementation Strategy (NHIS)
– Urban and Municipal trees and natural areas
– The development of the natural heritage system required by the Province as part of the update to the Official Plan
Read the full staff report, here.
Also at Monday’s meeting, South Kent Councillor Mary Clare Latimer entered a motion to have interested landowners, that wish to voluntarily have their woodlot features rezoned for long term clear cutting protection, may do so at no cost by contacting Chatham-Kent Planning Services.
However, Wallaceburg Councillor Aaron Hall entered a successful motion to refer Latimer’s to the newly formed Natural Heritage Committee of the Whole for further discussion.
