The government has cited the…

The government has cited the need to reduce administrative duplication and overlap between municipalities and conservation authorities, with the goal of simplifying accountability and strengthening local partnerships, as a key rationale for consolidating conservation authorities.

As a municipal councillor, I can tell you that this rationale does not align with the experience of Middlesex Centre. Middlesex Centre is the only municipality that works with five (5) different conservation authorities, yet there has been no concern raised by staff regarding administrative burden or inefficiency. These relationships function collaboratively and effectively.

More importantly, each conservation authority provides a distinct local and watershed-based perspective. Those perspectives differ by geography, hydrology and ecological priorities, and that diversity of insight is valuable. Each watershed is unique, and hearing directly from the conservation authority responsible for that watershed ensures informed, locally grounded decision-making.

Consolidation risks diluting this local expertise rather than strengthening accountability or partnerships. Don't consolidate our conservation authorities at the expense of local knowledge.

Jean Coles
Municipal Councillor - Ward 1 - Middlesex Centre
Board Member - Upper Thames River Conservation Area