I am reaching out to provide…

I am reaching out to provide feedback to posting #025-1257 regarding the proposed consolidation of Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities into regional conservation authorities.

I do not support the proposed consolidation. While the stated intent is to reduce duplicative costs and align conservation authority work with provincial priorities, I believe this approach risks undermining the very strengths of the current system: local knowledge, community engagement, and watershed-based decision-making.

Loss of local expertise: Conservation authorities are most effective when they reflect the unique ecological, social, and economic conditions of their watersheds. Consolidation into larger regional bodies may dilute this local expertise and responsiveness.

Reduced accountability: Local governance structures ensure that municipalities and residents have a direct voice in conservation decisions. Regional consolidation could distance decision-making from the communities most affected.

Potential service impacts: While the proposal states that mandated programs will remain unchanged, larger regional structures may struggle to deliver the same level of tailored services, particularly in flood forecasting, land management, and recreational access.

Unclear cost savings: The assumption that consolidation will reduce costs is not substantiated. Transition costs, administrative restructuring, and the creation of a new provincial agency may offset or exceed any efficiencies gained.

Ontario’s conservation authorities have long been recognized for their watershed-based model, which is considered a best practice internationally. Rather than consolidating, I encourage the province to strengthen existing authorities by supporting collaboration, enhancing funding, and improving coordination without sacrificing local governance and identity.

I urge the government to reconsider this approach in favor of solutions that preserve the integrity and effectiveness of Ontario’s conservation authority system.