Great news! The Lower Duffins Creek wetland complex in Ontario is no longer at risk of being destroyed by developers.
The Ontario government announced this week it has revoked the controversial (and in our opinion, unlawful) Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO) that threatened the area.
After the Ontario government authorized an MZO for the construction of a warehouse and other facilities on this important wetland complex, environmental activists, the local community, and Indigenous groups all rallied to its defence.
Ecojustice launched a legal challenge of the MZO, asserting that it was unlawful.
In March 2021, Ecojustice brought an injunction motion to stop development work at the site that led to an undertaking to stop work. The proposed tenant — Amazon — pulled out of the project and Ontario’s Municipal Affairs and Housing department signaled its willingness to revoke or amend the MZO.
Working together, environmental groups, community organizations, Indigenous groups, and concerned people like you forced Ontario’s hand. With the MZO revoked, Lower Duffins Creek is safe — for now.
Thank you for donating, signing petitions, making phone calls, and spreading the word about this important issue. The support of the Ecojustice community was critical in securing this important win for Lower Duffins Creek.
This wetland helps mitigate against flooding, stores carbon, filters water and provides a habitat to wildlife.
As Canada faces down a climate emergency, with more scorching heatwaves, dangerous wildfires, and disastrous flooding, it is essential we do everything we can to keep natural areas like Lower Duffins Creek intact.
The Ecojustice team is now considering next steps in our lawsuit over the now-revoked MZO. We’ll be sure to keep you posted.
Ecojustice
Building the case for a better earth
As Canada’s largest environmental law charity, we lead the legal fight for a brighter future. Explore our blog to learn about how we use the power of the law to defend nature, combat climate change, and fight for a healthy environment for all.
