The Province has not…

The Province has not provided key information about how the merger will be done, so we cannot fully assess it's impact: from governance and costs, to timing, staffing, land management, branding, and community impact. Nor has the Province provided evidence showing why this merger is necessary. Mergers are expensive, and there’s no funding plan.

Bringing together conservation lands, visitor services, memberships, staff structures, and IT systems would be a major undertaking. The Province has not explained who will pay for these costs or how combining the systems will save money down the line.

The plan notes that a regional approach is required to address inefficiency and streamline permit approvals, but doesn’t provide details on where existing CAs are falling short. Issues like inconsistent service or outdated systems can be addressed without restructuring the entire conservation system.

Crucially important local decision-making will be harder to maintain. Currently, Hamilton and Puslinch fund approximately 35% of HCA’s work and have a direct say in watershed decisions. The Province contributes less than 1%. In a 28-municipality organization, our local voice will carry less weight, but municipalities will still be funding the work.

Strong conservation, which is more important than ever with the hightened danger of flooding, depends on local relationships. For more than sixty year, HCA’s conservation work has been supported by deep, local partnerships with municipalities, community groups, landowners, volunteers, foundations, and Indigenous partners. A larger, more removed agency could erode the local collaboration that makes conservation effective.

HCA already provides efficient, reliable service. In 2024, we processed 94% of major permits on time, meeting or exceeding provincial expectations. The focus should be on improving resources where needed, not reorganizing authorities that already perform well.