As a life-time farmer and…

As a life-time farmer and resident in a watershed in Ontario, having experience on both sides of CA policy and governance,I strongly oppose the re-organization on the grounds that the new regional body will not be able to keep the local voice involved. Nor will it be able to effectively represent local watershed issues and their local solutions. Local autonomy will be permanently lost.
Building permits are a most contentious issue in the countryside; some stronger guidelines and funding consistency would be an improvement. This can be done at the Provincial level.
Past experience has taught us that amalgamation is NEVER cost effective for solutions-on-the-ground. Property insurance companies need effective flood mapping, infrastructure upgrades and flood prediction, prevention and alerting activities to be able to maintain affordable coverage policies for clients.
Our vast and very diverse geology, climate, ecology and econmies require very articulate, current and specific remedies; especially in a time of rapidly chnaging climate, economy and ecology. No doubt, our CA's can be more uniform in policy, but a regional governing body could never be more responsive, articulate or accountable than the present Conservation Authorities of Ontario.