Grey County is looking to create a new ecological offsetting policy.
It would mean if a developer had an impact on the environment in one area, for example in a significant woodland, they would have to make up for it elsewhere, either on the same property or another one.
A staff report presented to County Committee of the Whole Thursday says ecological offsetting should be the last option after trying to avoid impact altogether, or minimize it. They say offsetting would only be used where avoidance or mitigation aren’t available options.
Staff say the goal is to preserve natural heritage by balancing the ecological impact of development.
The County says it plans to create the policy following consultation with local municipalities, conservation authorities, the Indigenous community, the development community and the Niagara Escarpment Commission.
After that, staff would take the feedback from consultations and create a draft policy for council to consider.