Wetland management: an analysis of past practice and recent policy changes in Ontario

J Environ Manage. 2007 Jan;82(1):83-94. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2005.12.007. Epub 2006 Mar 20.

Abstract

The Ontario Government has recently released its latest Provincial Policy Statement (PPS), which includes a policy concerning wetland protection. This paper uses interviews with key respondents and the results of three separate case studies that examined the former PPS in order to assess the ability of the new policy to improve wetland conservation efforts in Ontario. The case studies include wetland conservation and urban stormwater management in the City of London for the periods 1978-1999 and 1978-2000, respectively. As well, agricultural drainage that occurred in the Township of Zorra for the period 1978-1997 is used to address this management dimension. While progress is evident, the current policy will be difficult to implement effectively because it inadequately deals with the fundamental aspects of management: fragmented jurisdiction, interagency communication, financial arrangements, enforcement, and promoting informed decision making.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Agriculture
  • Cities
  • Conservation of Natural Resources*
  • Decision Making
  • Geography
  • Ontario
  • Organizational Innovation
  • Policy Making
  • Public Policy
  • Time Factors
  • Waste Disposal, Fluid*
  • Water Pollution / prevention & control*
  • Water Supply*