I strongly oppose the…

I strongly oppose the proposed consolidation of Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities (CAs) into seven regional bodies. While I understand the intent to improve consistency and efficiency, the governance model being described — where all municipalities within each new, much larger region would be represented on a single board — would severely weaken the voices of smaller municipalities, especially here in Southwestern Ontario.

Currently, local Conservation Authorities provide municipalities with direct representation, ensuring that smaller and rural communities have a real say in how watershed management, permitting, and flood prevention programs are run. Under the proposed model, some of the new “mega-regions” would encompass over 100 municipalities. It is unrealistic to expect meaningful participation or influence for small towns and rural councils in such a large structure. Their priorities will inevitably be overshadowed by the larger urban centres within each region.

This risks creating a governance system that is less accountable, less responsive, and less reflective of the diverse needs of different communities across the watershed. Local decision-making — built over decades of collaboration between small municipalities and their local CA — would be lost to a centralized, regional bureaucracy.

If the goal is to improve consistency and efficiency, the government should instead focus on establishing the proposed central agency and shared permit platform, rather than dismantling the local governance system that has served Ontario’s communities well.

Please maintain the existing local CA framework, and do not proceed with the amalgamation plan.