Commenting on proposed…

Commenting on proposed changes to the Conservation Authorities Act as Schedule 2 of Bill 108:

Conservation Authorities (CAs) are a unique made-in-Ontario model that has stood the test of time for over 70 years.

CAs are good value for money. We are flexible and responsive to the local environmental needs in our watersheds.

We are a local presence in your community, with boots on the ground. No one else fills the role.

Since 1946 the core mandate of Conservation Authorities has been the program and services that further the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources on a watershed scale. After the devastating floods of Hurricane Hazel, the mandate to control floods and pollution was added.

Floodplains and drinking water cannot be managed if Conservation Authorities are not looking at the whole watershed system. Protecting people and property and managing natural hazards like flooding requires a watershed view.

Conservation Authorities are major providers of restoration activities (tree planting, wetland restoration, forest management) and monitoring watershed health in Ontario.

The natural environment contributes clean air, clean water and a multitude of benefits important to the health and well-being of the people of Ontario.

We think the province should include an additional mandatory program area of “conservation of natural resources” to capture some of the core programs and services that have long been part of Conservation Authority work. This would include programs and services that are now part of core Conservation Authority work, such as:
o inventory and monitoring
o watershed/subwatershed planning
o tree planting and forest management o natural heritage systems planning
o habitat restoration and creation
o invasive species management
o stewardship and outreach activities

Conservation areas and lands provide opportunities for recreation as well as long term protection of natural areas. CAs need the resources to manage these lands and provide for Ontario’s growing population.

Ontario’s climate continues to change. Conservation Authorities have the science and programs to support municipalities in their work to mitigate and adapt to these changes, and prepare for more dramatic changes coming.

Respectfully, do not change the resources and responsibilities of Conservation Authorities in Ontario. To do so would be short sighted and potentially dangerous for the health, safety and well-being of Ontarians. .