The Committee's mandate is to advise and assist the Planning and Development Services Department (the Department) with the management and conservation of the natural environment in Fort Erie

The Committee's objectives shall be as follows:

a)        Assist Town staff in reviewing significant development applications within or adjacent to Natural Heritage Features identified in the Town's Official Plan, limited to Official Plan Amendments, including Secondary Plans, Zoning By-law Amendments, Draft Plans of Subdivision and Condominium Applications as referred by the Director of Planning and Development Services or the Environmental Planner

b)        Consider the significance of potential environmental impacts of a planning proposal on the features or functions for which the area was designated 

c)         Assess whether the proposed significant development and any mitigation measures would comply with the Natural Heritage policies of the Town's Official Plan

d)        Provide comments on the review or updating of future Town, Regional or Provincial policies related to natural heritage protection

e)        Undertake educational programs and promote public awareness and stewardship of Fort Erie's natural heritage

f)          Provide recommendations to Council on the removal of Environmental Conservation (EC) Overlay from the Town Zoning By-law on significant development applications as determined by the Director of Planning and Development Services or the Environmental Planner

g)        Provide advice to Council and Town Staff on environmental concerns, when requested by the Director of Planning and Development Services or the Environmental Planner