Sustainable Orangeville

That Council direct staff to submit the following comment on behalf of Sustainable Orangeville: Lower‑tier municipalities are often the first to observe and address invasive species impacts through management of local roadsides, parks, trails, drainage systems, and natural heritage features. However, capacity to respond to such threats is highly dependent on provincial leadership, regulatory authority, and resourcing. The Draft Ontario Invasive Species Strategic Plan appropriately recognizes the Province’s role in setting priorities through species regulation, science‑based risk assessment, and coordinated action under the Invasive Species Act. Lower‑tier municipalities rely on this provincial direction to determine what actions are permitted, where efforts should be focused, and how local work aligns with broader provincial objectives. Local invasive species initiatives are also largely dependent on access to provincial funding programs to support planning, monitoring, and on‑the‑ground management. Without sustained and predictable provincial support, lower‑tier municipalities face challenges maintaining consistent programs alongside competing service delivery responsibilities. As the Province advances the Strategic Plan, it will be important to ensure that expectations placed on lower‑tier municipalities are supported by clear implementation guidance, practical tools, and ongoing funding, so that meaningful local action can occur within existing municipal capacity.

That the meeting be adjourned at 6:54 p.m.