GUELPH – Two public workshops will be held later this month where residents and businesses can provide input on Guelph's Natural Heritage Strategy; a project that aims to identify significant natural areas, forests, and wetlands, and develop policies to protect and enhance them as the city continues to grow.

Participants are asked to select one of the two dates below and attend the entire session to review and comment on the natural heritage criteria, mapping and policy direction (Phases 2 and 3). The workshop agenda is available at guelph.ca/events.

WHAT Public Workshops - Natural Heritage Strategy

WHO Marion Plaunt, Manager Policy Planning and Urban Design

WHERE Holiday Inn, 601 Scottsdale Dr

WHEN March 24 and 25 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Natural Heritage Strategy

Phase 1 was completed in 2004. Background materials were reviewed, preliminary criteria for identifying significant local features were developed and public consultation and education were initiated.

Phase 2 began in 2005 with field assessments and analysis. Consultations with landowners, residents, local and provincial agencies, the steering committee, various City departments, and other stakeholders took place in 2008. In response to public input, draft criteria and mapping were refined, and suggested policy direction was developed.

Phase 3 began in November of 2008 with the development of policies and the integration of the Natural Heritage System into the City’s current Official Plan Update.

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS AND DATES

The Natural Heritage System and the draft policy for Phase 3 are available at guelph.ca; ServiceGuelph, 59 Carden St; or at Community Design and Development Services, 2 Wyndham St N. Please note Community Design and Development Services is moving to new City Hall, 1 Carden St, March 23.