Preserving Biodiversity and Natural Heritage in Ward 4

Environmentally Significant Area - 2018 Cherry Blossoms in High Park

Please review my responses in bold to the following question by a Ward 4 resident.

"What will you do to preserve biodiversity and natural heritage in your ward and across Toronto?"

Question #1: Do you agree that the City budget should direct funds annually to manage, restore and enhance Toronto's environmentally significant areas (ESA) to preserve their ecological integrity for future generations?

• 100% agree and we must look to leading practices around the globe regarding environmental sustainability. As I child, I spent countless hours of my life in the Humber River and High Park - WE MUST ALLOCATE FUNDS!

Question #2: Do you agree to support the implementation of Toronto's Pollinator Protection Strategy and Ravine Strategy, now and going forward?

• 100% agree, we must protect our more than 360 species of bees and more than 100 species of butterflies and other pollinators that call Toronto home

• I have signed the pledge regarding protecting and investing in our ravines as there are  multiple pressures on ravines – from population growth and increased recreational use to climate change, weather events and invasive species.

Question #3: Do you agree to support the approval and eventual implementation of Toronto's Biodiversity Strategy?

• 100% agree, we must approve the draft strategy and coordinate implementation with other strategies - We need action to increase the quality and quantity of natural habitat within the City in order to support healthier, more robust biodiversity and increase access to and awareness of nature. 
  

Question #4: Do you agree to protect the ESAs and natural heritage areas in your ward* from encroachment and incompatible uses?

• 100% agree, I am fully committed to protecting ESAs and natural heritage areas in our ward - and I am committed to becoming actively involved regardless of the election outcome.  My cousin is Madeleine McDowell and she dedicated her entire life to this ward and led the initiative to have the Humber River deemed a Canadian Heritage River- for 5 generations my family have lived in this precious neighbourhood, since 1912 when my great grandfather arrived from Scotland and built a home on Durie Street before my great grandmother, grandmother and great uncles arrived in 1916. Since then, my mother, cousins, aunts, uncles and now my family have lived in the best ward in Toronto. We need action from the next City Councillor, not discussion - we need to implement a coordinated series of strategic actions to protect ESAs and natural heritage areas in Ward 4.