To Whom it May Concern: Re:…

To Whom it May Concern:

Re: Modernizing conservation authority operations – Conservation Authorities Act

Bluewater District School Board is concerned about the proposed legislative changes to the Conservation Authorities Act that would limit the ability of the local authority to develop and deliver educational programming.

Students from Bluewater District School Board have long valued and benefitted from the programs and services provided by Ontario’s conservation authorities. Programs such as DEER, the Water Festival, the Forest Festival, Trees of the World, WREN, and Flood Waters and You, all provide wonderful learning and leadership opportunities for students outside of the regular classroom. A growing body of research speaks to the value of outdoor learning, and we are particularly well positioned in Grey and Bruce Counties to engage and benefit from such learning. We have enjoyed a long and productive partnership with the conservation authority in providing environmental education and feel it is important that our students continue to have this opportunity.

We would encourage Government of the Province of Ontario to ensure the proposed legislation does not impact negatively on the ability of the conservation authorities to design and deliver educational programs within our region.

Thank you,
Bluewater District School Board