Happy Holidays, Highlights, and Headlines: December 2025
Reflecting on a year of evolving content, developments at Queen’s Park, and local environmental decisions as we head into 2026
DECEMBER IN REVIEW
Howdy everyone,
I want to start by wishing everyone a Happy Holiday and a Happy New Year!
You may have noticed this month’s newsletter is going out a little early, on the 30th rather than the 31st. That’s just so this issue isn't lost in the holiday and New Year shuffle.
This month also marks the 12th consecutive month I’ve been publishing this newsletter, from its early beginnings as mostly photography-based to its current mix of content.
As we head into 2026, nearly 200 of you are subscribed to this newsletter. I want to thank everyone who has subscribed, read an article, shared, commented, or liked anything over the past year. Your support is greatly appreciated.
I’d also like to give a shout-out this month to the little-known person behind the scenes who helps make both the newsletter and the articles you see happen, to Hayley, our Editor and my partner. She helps keep my work honest and factual, and without her, much of this wouldn't be possible.
Why Things Have Looked a Little Different Lately
Many of you initially subscribed to this newsletter when it was more photography-based with a sprinkling of news coverage. You’ve likely noticed over the past few months a shift toward more news content, and I wanted to explain why that’s happened in this month’s Field Note.
If you’re here mainly for the nature photography, rest assured that more photo-based content is in the works.
At Queen’s Park: Audits, Bills, and a Long Recess
Over at Queen’s Park, the Ontario Legislature began its winter break this month and will not be returning until March 23. Before the break, the Auditor General, Shelley Spence, released her annual audit on the Environmental Bill of Rights. To help break down some of the significant findings, check out our article from this month, “Ford Government Eroding Ontarians’ EBR Rights,” says Ontario Auditor General.”
The Field & Shutter Press continues to review the Auditor General's findings, and additional reporting on the matter will be published in the new year.
The Ford Government also passed an omnibus bill before the break, Bill 46, the Protect Ontario by Cutting Red Tape Act, 2025, which, among its amendments, includes changes to the Crown Forest Sustainability Act & Liquor Licence and Control Act. This is detailed in this month’s article, “Ford Government passes Bill 46: forest protections cut, alcohol allowed in Ontario Parks.”
Halton Hills Town Council
As the Ford Government seeks to merge 36 Conservation Authorities across the province into 7, facing widespread opposition, the Town of Halton Hills narrowly voted against a motion asking the government to consider other options in a vote of 6-5, as reported by HaltonHillsToday.ca.
Credit Valley Conservation (CVC), one of the Conservation Authorities whose watershed overlaps with Halton Hills, has indicated in its submission to the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) that it does not support the Ford government's current plans, stating, “While consolidation may improve equity and service delivery in some regions, the proposed boundaries introduce significant governance, financial, operational, and service-delivery risks for highcapacity conservation authorities like CVC that are effectively supporting safe, sustainable growth.”
Per the posting regarding the proposal on the ERO, “The current system of 36 separate conservation authorities is fragmented, with each conservation authority following different policies, standards, fees and levels of staffing and technical capabilities.”
If the proposal proceeds, CVC, along with Conservation Halton, which also covers Halton Hills, would merge with other nearby Conservation Authorities to become the Western Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority.
Until the next one,
-Greg
THE FIELD & SHUTTER PRESS
FEATURES & INVESTIGATIONS
Ford Government "Eroding Ontarians’ EBR Rights," says Ontario Auditor General
The Ontario government is systematically undermining the public’s right to participate in environmental decision-making, Ontario’s Auditor General, Shelley Spence, warned in her 2025 Annual Report released on Tuesday.
Young people will speak up in court after leaders stayed silent about Ontario development bill
Ramon Kataquapit says it was the silence from his First Nation leaders after Ontario introduced legislation to fast-track land development, that ultimately rallied other young people in his community to take charge of their future.
CONSERVATION & WILDLIFE NEWS
‘We’ve never surrendered the land’: Treaty 9 First Nations back in court
Eleven First Nations from across Treaty 9 territory are back in court this week as the lawyer leading their case says the province is trying to “snuff out” ongoing litigation over far north resource development.
Ford Government passes Bill 46: forest protections cut, alcohol allowed in Ontario Parks
The Ford Government passed an omnibus bill, the Protect Ontario by Cutting Red Tape Act, 2025 (Bill 46), on Dec. 11, in a vote of 88 in favour to 12 against, allowing forest resources to be removed for…
FIELD NOTES & PERSPECTIVES
Losing the field, finding my voice
Nature and photography have been constants in my life, helping me manage stress and stay grounded in a chaotic world. But this summer, when a flare-up of a chronic injury kept me out of the field, I unexpectedly found something else: my voice in journalism.
IN OTHER NEWS
In the "In Other News" section, we’ll share interesting updates and discoveries from the past month. Expect highlights on photography, nature, wildlife, conservation, and environmental topics.
An irruption of Snowy Owls?
Published on: 07/DEC/2025
Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers in Ontario, such as The Owl Foundation, have reported more Snowy Owls entering their care than at this time compared to last year. Could this year be an irruption? Click here to read more
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