Middlesex County’s natural heritage system includes woodlands, wetlands, valley lands and watercourses. Natural heritage is important because it:
- Provides habitats for plants and animals.
- Connects people to recreation and nature.
- Filters pollution and sediment from the water and air.
- Reduces flooding and erosion.
- Stores carbon and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, while supporting resilience against climate change.
- Supports the local economy with natural resources and tourism attractions.
- Supports agricultural producers through healthy soil and growing conditions.
Within the Official Plan update process, Middlesex County is considering the following issues:
- The provincial government’s land use policies have shifted from protecting natural heritage features to protecting the overall natural heritage system. Middlesex County is reviewing the Official Plan to ensure alignment, particularly during potential land use changes.
- Ensuring natural heritage policies support agricultural uses, recognizing that agricultural land is part of local ecosystem connections.
- Collaborating and aligning with conservation authorities.
To learn more about Middlesex County’s natural heritage system, please see the following resources: