Tuesday December 9th, 2025…

Tuesday December 9th, 2025
Environmental Registry (ERO #025-1257)
We vehemently oppose Ontario’s proposed boundary changes to the conservation authorities in Ontario and don’t support the merger. Our local conservation authorities are an integral part of our community. Having local conservation authorities allows community members to make meaningful partnerships and connections – local solutions for local issues. This will be lost by merging 36 local conservation authorities into 7 larger regional authorities.
Local Conservation Authorities play a major role in water management. They need to react immediately to reduce damages as a result of weather-related events such as flooding. They also play an important role in maintaining water quality and safety for recreational purposes (e.g., swimming, boating, paddleboarding). How can these issues be addressed with staff and resources spread thinly?
Where is the evidence that larger regional conservation authorities can provide the same level of services as smaller local conservation authorities? It astounds us that this proposal is even being considered when what have in place is efficient, effective and has tremendous community involvement. Merging means community members will lose their voice with local issues. Conservation authority staff will have larger areas to support with less time to do so.
We are proud members of the Hamilton Conservation Authority. We enjoy everything that they have to offer - hiking, cross-country skiing, kayaking, maple syrup festivals just a few of the countless opportunities the HCA provides. We would hate to see these lost due to short sighted political decisions.
We agree with HCA’s submission to the ERO. We are concerned about losing local decision-making and we support keeping conservation decisions rooted in our community.
Sincerely, concerned Dundas residents