Notice of approval – terms of reference

Proponent: The District Municipality of Muskoka
Environmental assessment file number: EA-02-08-01

As provided for by section 6.(4) of the Environmental Assessment Act, Terms of Reference, as submitted for approval to the Ministry of the Environment on October 13, 2004, to govern the preparation of an environmental assessment for the above-noted undertaking, is hereby approved.

Reasons

I am satisfied that an environmental assessment prepared in accordance with the Terms of Reference, which indicate the environmental assessment will be prepared in accordance with subsection 6.1(2), will be consistent with the purpose of the Environmental Assessment Act and the public interest for the following reasons:

  1. The Terms of Reference requires that the proponent meet the intent of the Environmental Assessment Act by providing for the identification of issues and concerns, and the preferred means of addressing them with due regard to adoption of environmental management, protection and mitigation measures.
  2. The Terms of Reference has been reviewed by the public and the Government Review Team. No concerns were raised.
  3. The Terms of Reference requires the proponent to implement a comprehensive consultation plan during the preparation of the environmental assessment. In addition, the Environmental Assessment Act requires consultation and documentation of the consultation during the preparation of the environmental assessment. As well, there will be additional opportunities for public and government agency consultation when the environmental assessment is submitted to the ministry.

Pursuant to subsection 6.1(1) of the Environmental Assessment Act, any environmental assessment for the above-noted undertaking, submitted to the Ministry of the Environment pursuant to subsection 6.2(1) of the Environmental Assessment Act, must be prepared in accordance with the Terms of Reference as hereby approved.

Dated the 17th day of January 2005 at Toronto.

Original signed by:
Minister of the Environment
135 St. Clair Avenue West, 12th floor
Toronto, Ontario
M4V 1P5