Conservation Authorities are…

Conservation Authorities are a vital part of Ontario and keeping our citizens safe and preserving our natural resources. It only makes sense that they are both reviewing things related to flooding and natural resources such as forests, fisheries and other items. Why spread the review amongst many agencies when you can have a one window local agency do it rather than a centralized office far away.

The text of the act should ensure that all the above programs are within the regulation. Don't take away their programs. It should be mandatory that programs such as tree planting, wetland and river restoration and stewardship programs be part of their every day business to prevent flooding. you can't do this any other way. Don't take away the powers to prevent flood hazards. Even the insurance industry agrees that this is vital. Ontario has prevented and protected so much because of Conservation Authorities.

In addition to watershed planning, flood forcasting, drought, emergency operaitons, operation of dams, we must include preventative measures such as communications, education and stewardship.

There also is no one looking after the natural reosurces of a river comprehensively. we must include habitat restoration, invasive species management, stewardship, and monitoring in the mandates.