The Moraine Can't Wait: Save the Oak Ridges Moraine

Summary

The video emphasizes the critical importance of the Oak Ridges Moraine, a natural area vital for providing clean drinking water to over 250,000 residents and supporting local ecosystems. Residents passionately advocate for its protection against harmful developments and infrastructure projects, which threaten its integrity and biodiversity. The Moraine acts as a natural water filter, but recent activities like dumping contaminated soil pose significant risks. The call to action encourages public involvement to push for legislative changes that close loopholes and ensure comprehensive environmental assessments, safeguarding this essential resource for future generations.

Takeaways

• 🌳 The Oak Ridges Moraine is a crucial green space that offers a natural environment for city residents.
• 💧 It supplies drinking water to over 250,000 people in the region and millions more in Greater Toronto.
• ⚠️ The Oak Ridges Moraine is not adequately protected, posing risks to its water resources.
• 🧽 The Moraine acts like a sponge, cleaning and storing water for future generations.
• 🚫 Contaminated soil dumping poses a significant threat to the Moraine's aquifer and drinking water safety.
• 🏗️ Infrastructure projects are facilitating development, leading to potential harm to the Moraine.
• 🏡 There is ample flat land available for development outside the Moraine that should be utilized instead.
• 🦖 Wildlife, particularly turtle populations, face serious risks from road construction and vehicle traffic.
• 📅 Future development applications could lead to incremental damage to the Moraine over the next 5 to 20 years.
• 📝 Advocacy is needed to close loopholes in environmental legislation and secure funding for the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation.

Q & A

What is the Oak Ridges Moraine (ORM) and why is it important?

The Oak Ridges Moraine is a large natural area in Ontario that is crucial for maintaining water resources. It supplies drinking water to over 250,000 people and serves as a natural filter that cleans and stores water for future generations.

What is the main concern about the commercial fill operation on the Oak Ridges Moraine?

The main concern is that contaminated soil is being dumped on top of the Oak Ridges Moraine, which could pollute the aquifer that provides drinking water for a large population. This could have long-term environmental consequences.

How does the Oak Ridges Moraine function as a natural water filter?

The Oak Ridges Moraine acts like a massive sponge, absorbing water, cleaning it, and storing it in the aquifer, making it a key component in the region's water cycle. It helps supply clean drinking water to the surrounding areas.

What types of development projects are threatening the Oak Ridges Moraine?

Various infrastructure projects, including the construction of new roads, golf courses, subdivisions, and sewage systems, are encroaching on the Oak Ridges Moraine. These developments pose risks to the land's natural state and water resources.

Why is incremental damage to the Oak Ridges Moraine a significant concern?

Incremental damage can accumulate over time, leading to irreversible harm. Small-scale developments, if allowed to continue unchecked, could degrade the entire ecosystem, including its ability to filter and store water.

What role do highways and infrastructure projects play in the damage to the Oak Ridges Moraine?

Infrastructure projects like highways and power lines are causing significant harm to the Oak Ridges Moraine. For example, the construction of new roads disrupts wildlife populations, particularly turtles, and increases the risk of pollution and habitat destruction.

How is the Oak Ridges Moraine related to the broader Ontario region?

The Oak Ridges Moraine is an essential water resource that stretches from Lake Ontario to the northern regions of Ontario. It plays a vital role in supplying clean drinking water not only to local communities but also to the Greater Toronto Area.

What is the significance of closing legislative loopholes in the Oak Ridges Moraine conservation plan?

Closing legislative loopholes is critical to ensure that developments requiring full environmental assessments are not allowed to harm the Oak Ridges Moraine. These loopholes currently enable infrastructure projects to bypass necessary protection measures.

What steps can citizens take to protect the Oak Ridges Moraine?

Citizens can write to their local MPPs, the Premier, and opposition leaders to advocate for the closure of legislative loopholes and the full protection of the Oak Ridges Moraine. Supporting the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation and raising public awareness are also important actions.

What is the long-term goal for the Oak Ridges Moraine?

The long-term goal is to preserve the Oak Ridges Moraine in its natural state, ensuring that it continues to function as a critical water resource and wildlife habitat, free from the pressures of unnecessary development.