Offsetting Consultation

The County, local municipalities and/or conservation authorities having jurisdiction within Grey, may choose to develop and use ecological/ecosystem offsetting (also called biodiversity offsetting) policies or procedures for private land development proposals and/or public infrastructure undertakings. Consideration for offsetting may only be applicable where it is consistent with the appropriate legislation, regulations and supporting policies and guidelines (Provincial Policy Statement, Provincial Plans, Official Plans, Forest Management Plans, Forest Management By-laws, Tree-Cutting By-laws, etc.).

Offsetting must follow the mitigation hierarchy of Avoid, Minimize, Mitigate, then Offset. It should only be applied after a detailed analysis has determined that avoidance, minimization, and mitigation of loss is not possible or feasible. This tool shall not replace or negate the requirements of other legislation applicable to impacts to species or ecosystems at the municipal, regional, provincial, or federal levels. Protection, and ideally restoration and improvements of existing natural systems remains the primary goal of natural heritage systems planning (as per Section 2.1 of the PPS). Offsetting policies or procedures should target an ecological (net) gain. Where determined to not be feasible, they should ensure no-net-loss and fully replace the same level of lost ecosystem structure and function in proximity to where the loss occurs.

Where other compensation or offsetting programs exist (i.e., tree cutting by-laws that speak to tree replacement planting or funds), efforts shall be made to coordinate the separate processes to limit duplication. All programs of this nature should offer a comprehensive approach to restoring unavoidable losses.

The County is seeking feedback on a potential Ecological Offsetting policy. Feedback can be submitted three ways:

1. Complete this form: https://forms.office.com/r/VtDDBb3zEV
2. Send written comments to ecology [at] grey.ca (ecology[at]grey[dot]ca)
3. Reach out to ecology [at] grey.ca (ecology[at]grey[dot]ca) to set up a call

Please email ecology [at] grey.ca (ecology[at]grey[dot]ca) with any questions.