PTTW renewal (0805-BJTR33)…

PTTW renewal (0805-BJTR33)

Marion Lake has three areas as designated wetlands (see attached file showing map from “The District Municipality of Muskoka”), http://map.muskoka.on.ca/Exponare/RestPublicApplication.aspx .

A review of the Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC) indicates that Species at Risk (SAR) are encountered in these areas. Under the Endangered Species Act, 2007, it is illegal to harm, harass and/or kill any member of an endangered or threatened species or to damage or destroy the habitat of endangered or threatened species. The wetlands (which are shallow) on Marion Lake are there to protect Amphibians, Birds, Fishes, Lichens, Mosses, Molluscs, Plants and Reptiles. It appears that the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks has not been respecting the wetlands within Marion Lake by granting Port Carling Golf and Country Club Permits to take water. The previous permits resulted in the wetlands becoming dry, allowing 12-24" water level drawdown below the outflow grate. "Any" water drawdown below the outflow grate will have damagimg effects on these wetlands, not to mention interrupting the natural outflow of water to neighbouring Thompson Lake, which also has wetlands designated areas.

The destruction of the shorelines and wetlands by any water taking as evidenced by all of the photos and comments submitted by the residents, needs to stop. It is therefore incumbent on the Ministry to deny this Water Taking permit renewal and to respect the Endangered Species Act (2007), and the designated wetlands of Marion Lake.