Floodplains, Squirrels, and Canopies: November 2025
The Fight for Ontario’s Watersheds, Bill 60, Piping Plover Protections, Meeting Halton’s Bushy-Tailed Residents and Grassy Narrows First Nation’s New Legal Challenge
NOVEMBER IN REVIEW
Howdy everyone, I hope you have all been doing well.
This month has been a big one in terms of environmental news, so to help break that up, I’ve written a photo essay of sorts to introduce you to and teach you about one of Ontario’s bushy-tailed residents in “Meet Ontario’s Red Squirrels.”
Introducing a brand new look
I’m pleased to announce a brand new look for the Field & Shutter Press, introducing our new logo:
The design incorporates various elements that, to us, represent Halton. At the same time, it is styled similarly to old conservation patches.
The Wheat Field: To represent the area’s rich agricultural history.
The Niagara Escarpment: An iconic and important part of Halton’s geography.
A Turkey Vulture: A frequent sight, soaring high in the sky above the escarpment.
Then there were seven
The Ford Government announced in a press release on October 31, 2025, its plan to consolidate the existing 36 conservation authorities across Ontario into a new provincially led “Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency (OPCA)” to reduce red tape and get shovels in the ground sooner.
However, Mike Schreiner, leader of the Ontario Green Party, said in a statement:
“Slashing conservation authorities and replacing them with a provincial oversight agency will gut protections for our parks, lakes and rivers. It will result in more job losses. And it will continue this government’s pattern of centralizing power into fewer and fewer hands—undermining local expertise and decision-making.”
Read the full story in this article, “‘Death knell for watersheds’: Ford set to shrink conservation authorities, plunge Ontario into chaos.”
Climate adaptation strategies that are rooted in the ground?
We all likely know that trees are beneficial, but have you ever asked how? In this month’s article, “Why Trees Could Be Halton Hills’ Best Defence Against a Changing Climate,” we explore how trees act as nature’s air conditioner and can help prevent something known as the urban heat island phenomenon.
Piping Plovers lose Provincial Park protection
The Ford government has continued with its plans to sell off portions of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, completing the first step by passing the Budget Measures Bill that removes Provincial Park status (or protection) for the beach areas that serve as habitat for the Piping Plovers. As we previously reported in “Wasaga Beach Transfer Raises Alarms for Endangered Piping Plover Habitat,” this move raises concerns for the future of the Piping Plover at Wasaga Beach.
Is Bill 60 a pathway for water privatization?
This month, amidst a flurry of criticism, the Ford Government rushed to pass Bill 60, the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025.
While much of the attention was on the effects it would have on tenants, the Keep Water Public Coalition warns that it could open the door to the privatization of our public utilities and to reductions in environmental safeguards and protections.
“The Act confers on the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing the power to designate, by regulation, a corporation that is incorporated under the Business Corporations Act as a water and wastewater public corporation to provide water and sewage services on behalf of particular lower-tier municipalities.”
-Schedule 16 of the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025
The Ford Government has denied any intention to privatize water.
The Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) also submitted comments to the government on the matter, emphasizing the importance of public ownership and governance for drinking water systems.
Canada’s National Observer has written more extensively about the topic in their article, “Ford government dives into municipal business as it eyes water services,” while The Narwhal covered the topic in their article, The Narwhal in their article “Ford government wants more power over Ontario’s drinking water.”
Is Grassy Narrows History Repeating Itself?
In the October edition of the Intervenor, the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) announced that it would be supporting the Grassy Narrows First Nation in an application for judicial review of decisions made by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
They are claiming that the Director of the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, failed to consult with the Grassy Narrows First Nation meaningfully and refused to use a statutory power to issue stop and control orders for the recently reopened Madsen Gold Mine in the Red Lake District, which Grassy Narrows First Nation alleges is releasing sulphates into their water, which can accelerate the formation of methylmercury, a known neurotoxin.
Grassy Narrows has already been suffering the effects of mercury contamination for years.
A section of the Notice of Application for Judicial Review filed with the Ontario Superior Court read:
“The mine site’s discharges: (1) constitute an immediate, on-going, and increasing danger to the human life and health of persons who are members of Grassy Narrows from exposure to methylmercury, a neurotoxin, and other contaminants; (2) adversely impact the treaty and constitutional rights of Grassy Narrows within the “Area” described below; and (3) cause ongoing harm to the environment, water quality, and aquatic biota.”
A hearing date has not yet been set for the matter.
The Field & Shutter Press is following this story, and we plan to bring you a full report soon. These allegations have not yet been proven in a court of law.
Town of Halton Hills to introduce invasive species management plan
The Town of Halton Hills recently announced plans to create a formalized invasive species management plan to address various harmful invasive species, including the emerald ash borer (insect), garlic mustard, buckthorn (plants), and the round goby (fish).
Invasive species are harmful to the local ecology, typically outcompeting native species and taking over entire areas.
“The Town does not have an existing invasive species management strategy, and the approach has been reactive to significant or new threats,” said Alex Fuller, Director of Communications for the Town of Halton Hills. While the Town may not have a formal plan currently, the Town works in “partnership with other organizations who lead invasive species removal activities (such as conservation authorities),” Fuller added.
The public was recently asked to provide feedback on the plan via LetsTalkHaltonHills. Fuller explained that some of the results will be used to help develop a prioritization tool, allowing the Town to identify what should be prioritized on Town lands.
The Town plans to further engage with residents of Halton Hills through a public information session planned for sometime in 2026.
Until the next one,
-Greg
THE FIELD & SHUTTER PRESS
CONSERVATION & WILDLIFE NEWS
‘Death knell for watersheds’: Ford set to shrink conservation authorities, plunge Ontario into chaos
On October 31, the province announced plans to amalgamate its 36 conservation authorities into seven regional bodies under a new centralized agency called the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency (OPCA) a decision PC officials claim is meant to speed up housing and infrastructure projects. Alarm has spread quickly among environmental scientists, municipal leaders and legal experts who warn the move could dismantle decades of watershed protection.
Why Trees Could Be Halton Hills’ Best Defence Against a Changing Climate
After a summer of searing heat and smoky skies, Halton Hills residents have felt the effects of a changing climate this summer, and the town’s best defence may already be rooted in the ground.
NATURE KNOW-HOW
Meet Ontario's Red Squirrels
As the colours fade and leaves fall across Halton Hills, a rusty-furred, bushy-tailed creature darts through the now-bare canopy, searching for food to stash away for the cold Canadian winter ahead. Meet the American Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus).
IN OTHER NEWS
In the "In Other News" section, we’ll share interesting updates and discoveries from the past month. Expect highlights on photography, outdoor, nature, wildlife, conservation, and environmental topics.
Vehicle Stolen from Halton Hills Hiking Trail
Published on: 02/NOV/2025
Halton Police are investigating after a Nissan SUV was stolen from the Credit Valley Footpath trailhead on River Drive near the Barber Paper Mill. The vehicle was only parked for about 45 minutes and has yet to be recovered. Read more
Milton Quarry Enters New Phase
Published on: 26/NOV/2025
As plans for the Reid Road Reservoir Quarry in Milton move forward, local residents and environmental groups are mobilizing to oppose the project, citing concerns about groundwater and local ecology. Read more
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