I strongly oppose the…

I strongly oppose the proposed merger of Ontario’s conservation authorities. This decision would be a serious mistake and a detriment to the communities served by the Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA).

The HCA manages a 570-square-kilometre watershed, supports about 650,000 people, and cares for 11,744 acres of conservation lands in Hamilton and Puslinch. These natural areas are essential for recreation, environmental health, and flood protection. They safeguard people, property, and infrastructure from flooding, erosion, and other hazards. Decisions about how these lands are managed must remain rooted in local priorities.

If the Province moves forward, funding and decision-making will shift to a much larger regional agency. When systems grow, local priorities and voices often get lost. That is unacceptable.

Why I Do Not Support the Merger:

The Province has not provided evidence that a merger is necessary. Claims of inefficiency and delays lack specifics, and these issues could be addressed without dismantling the current system.

Local decision-making will be weakened. Hamilton and Puslinch currently fund about 35% of HCA’s work and have a direct say in watershed decisions. Under a 28-municipality structure, our influence will shrink, even though we’ll still pay the bills.

Mergers are expensive, and there is no funding plan. Combining lands, staff, IT systems, and visitor services will cost millions, yet the Province has not explained who will pay or how this will save money.
HCA already delivers efficient service. In 2024, 94% of major permits were processed on time, meeting or exceeding provincial standards.

Strong conservation depends on local relationships. For decades, HCA has worked closely with municipalities, Indigenous partners, volunteers, and community groups. A distant regional body risks eroding these partnerships.

Key details remain unknown. Governance, costs, timelines, staffing, land management, and community impacts have not been explained.

A Better Approach
Instead of merging, Ontario should:

Set clear, consistent provincial standards for all conservation authorities and enforce them.
Invest in shared technology, like a provincial permitting portal, within the current structure.
Provide stable provincial funding to strengthen programs and modernize operations.
Work collaboratively with municipalities, Indigenous communities, conservation authorities, and residents before making major changes.

This proposal is unnecessary, costly, and harmful to local conservation. Please keep decision-making local and invest in improvements that strengthen—not dismantle—the system that already works.