We have serious concerns…

We have serious concerns about the proposal to consolidate Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities into 7 regional conservation authorities.

Our conservation authority is Conservation Sudbury. They are already responsible for a very large watershed area, and capacity is already stretched. The proposed Northeastern Ontario Regional Conservation Authority is an extremely vast area, and includes municipalities with long travel distances between them.

We submit that amalgamating such a large area has a number of serious risks:
-Reduced capacity to protect drinking water sources, manage conservation areas, protect watershed health, and regulate development activities.
-Reduced local, on the ground, presence and knowledge, which is essential to successfully carrying out the work of conservation authorities. We note that our local watersheds have specific attributes challenges related to geology, as well as to historic industrial impact. Our local conservation areas are among the most valued and important natural parks and greenspaces in our community, and their stewardship is vital.
-Reduced capacity for relationships and partnerships with local municipalities and local organizations.
-The risk of some areas being neglected over others.

Climate change is heightening the risks to watershed health & drinking water sources, and the flooding risks for communities. We need stronger local conservation authorities, updated watershed and floodplain mapping, healthy watersheds, and access to natural areas, trails and outdoor activities.

We are very concerned that the proposed amalgamation will weaken capacity, and make it more difficult for local priorities and challenges to be addressed. There must be a strong local presence, strong local capacity, and strong local knowledge for conservation authority responsibilities in our community and watersheds.