Environmental groups opposing a development project on protected wetlands in Pickering have filed a court motion in an effort to prevent the start of construction. Environmental law charity Ecojustice has now applied for a motion to stay that order with the Ontario Divisional Court on behalf of Environmental Defence and Ontario Nature, with the goal of stopping construction before it starts. The TRCA's board of directors said in a statement they were being forced to issue the construction permit "under duress." The TRCA said the province's order "conflicts with TRCA's mandate to further the conservation, development, and management of natural resources in watersheds within our jurisdiction." Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark issued a Minister’s Zoning Order in October 2020 to fast-track development on the wetlands.

Source: CBC News March 08, 2021 19:44 UTC