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Endangered Species Act creates challenges for Chatham-Kent

Agricultural drains provide habitat for various species, including endangered ones, but municipalities and individuals could face huge fines – and possible incarceration – if creatures or plants are harmed in the process of maintaining drains. 

That’s because of stringent rules under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Since Chatham-Kent has more than 4,200 municipal drains – approximately 20 per cent of all of the drains in Ontario – the situation has become a particular challenge for local officials who have been trying, unsuccessfully, to address the matter with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF). 

Tim Dick, director drainage, asset and waste management said the ESA is problematic because municipalities are legislated to abide by the Drainage Act. Yet the ESA contradicts the Drainage Act and “does not consider it, does not work with it.” | READ MORE