Science tells us that the…

Science tells us that the watershed is the only appropriate scale at which to manage our rivers and floodplains. Conservation Authorities are already set up to manage flooding and erosion risk on a watershed scale. They can also help to manage the impacts of current and future climate change on these risks. This is the most efficient way for flood and erosion risk to be managed.

Focusing on the core mandate of Conservation Authorities must include managing the whole watershed. Planting trees slows flow down and reduces flood risk. Restoring rivers and wetlands makes our environment more resilient to extreme events. Regulating building on floodplains keeps people safe. These are all part of the responsible management of our watersheds and Conservation Authorities have been doing this in Ontario since 1946. These types of activities could not more clearly be part of the core mandatory responsibility of Conservation Authorities.

The on the ground work, including education and outreach programs, that Conservation Authorities undertake make people feel safe. Nobody else is doing the work that Conservation Authorities do. Especially in the light of climate change, the government should be funding more work through Conservation Authorities, not less. These proposed amendments are short sighted and would lead to increased flooding and erosion risk and more spending in the future. They would also negatively impact the numerous secondary benefits of Conservation Authority projects including habitat protection and restoration, education and monitoring.

Moving away from an overall watershed based approach to management would put people at risk. Quite simply, budget cuts to Conservation Authorities would put public safety at risk.