I strongly oppose the…

I strongly oppose the proposed consolidation of Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities into seven regional bodies and the creation of an Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency under ERO 025‑1257. This change will harm Ontario’s ecosystems, weaken natural hazard management, and increase risks to human safety, infrastructure, and the environment.

Key Concerns:

Loss of Local Expertise and Watershed-Based Management
Conservation Authorities operate by watershed, providing critical local knowledge for flood control, erosion prevention, and ecosystem protection. Regional consolidation will dilute this expertise and compromise hazard assessments.

Increased Risk to Public Safety and Infrastructure
Current authorities enforce regulations that prevent development in floodplains, wetlands, and shorelines. Centralization may slow decisions and reduce oversight, exposing communities to flooding and erosion hazards.

Reduced Accountability and Transparency
The proposal lacks clarity on governance, municipal representation, and conflict resolution. Removing local boards undermines democratic oversight and public trust.

Threats to Environmental Protection and Climate Resilience
Conservation Authorities safeguard biodiversity, wetlands, and forests. Consolidation prioritizes administrative efficiency over ecological integrity, weakening climate adaptation strategies.

Insufficient Implementation Details
Promises of “strong environmental protections” and “consistent standards” lack concrete plans, timelines, or funding commitments.

Recommendations:

Maintain watershed-based boundaries and local governance.
Improve efficiency through shared services (IT, mapping, permitting) without dismantling local authority.
Standardize technical resources and hazard data while preserving local decision-making.

Conclusion:

This proposal prioritizes cost-cutting over safety and environmental stewardship. Ontario needs a model that strengthens collaboration without sacrificing local expertise. I urge the province to reject ERO 025‑1257 and pursue solutions that protect people, nature, and infrastructure.