Having worked with a number…

Having worked with a number of CA across the province as part of the consulting industry, as a volunteer board member, and with industry, I do believe there are some cost savings and efficiencies that could be gained in the system. However, this proposal seems to follow the management philosophy that creates duplication in education and health systems. Maintaining the local services, knowledge, understand and expertise in variety of pressure but having a regional scope will add an additional layer of management that will increase the cost over time. This is further compounded by proposing the merger of some authorities with others that have none of the same issues, priorities, use, pressures or even similar water/land uses. There is no sense in merging Thunder Bay with those around the Bruce, these are totally separate areas and uses, and even differing underlying geology. If merging would see benefit care and analysis should be detailed to ensure that the watersheds are similar, pressures, land use are also compatible to ensure effective and efficient management. this would likely mean that the CA's in Northern Ontario remain distinct, while efficiencies and mergers could happen in parts of Southern Ontario where compatible.