I do not support an…

I do not support an amalgamation of regional conservation authorities. For a number of years I worked for the Grand River Conservation Authority. I then changed course in my education & received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. I presently live in Halton & frequent conservation areas managed by Halton, Hamilton & Niagara. All of these areas are very unique in their own ways. I believe the needs & management requirements for each area is different & is best served with the decision making process done at the local level.
The services offered at each area are quite different & as such the income generated by them is influenced by the individuals utilizing those services. They all are involved in their own local fund raising activities to help support the unique services that they offer.
I also question the need for amalgamation. As has happened with other government forced amalgamations it seems that the prime driver is always based on achieving a cost saving. It is possible that may happen but I feel it would be to the detriment of the conservation regions. Big government is often not the answer & in this situation I truly support the management of each area at the local level.
If the Ontario government has some issues on how these areas are being managed then it should, in consultation with the local Conservation Authorities, establish a clear set of provincial standards and methods to ensure that these standards are met.