I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed legislation creating the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency (OPCA). Based on analysis from Environmental Defence and recent policy patterns in Ontario, this bill poses significant risks to environmental protection, public safety, and responsible land-use planning. It should not proceed without substantial amendments that prioritize conservation, not development.

Below are the key reasons this bill should be rejected or fundamentally revised:

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## **1. The Bill Risks Prioritizing Development Over Environmental Protection**

The proposed OPCA could lower existing conservation standards under the justification of reducing “inconsistency” among Conservation Authorities. In practice, this risks harmonizing policy to the *lowest* protection level and pressuring the new agency to speed approvals for developers.
If the new authority is not explicitly required to put environmental safety and watershed health first, the result will be weakened oversight, not improved outcomes.

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## **2. It Encourages Sprawl Instead of Smart, Affordable Growth**

Environmental Defence’s review makes clear that this bill aligns with a broader push toward low-density sprawl development — despite the fact that sprawl is more expensive, more environmentally destructive, and less effective at delivering affordable housing.

Ontario can meet its housing needs *without* paving over wetlands, farmland, and floodplains. Infill housing and density within existing neighbourhoods are proven, faster, and more cost-effective solutions. This bill moves Ontario in the opposite direction.

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## **3. It Puts Wetlands, Biodiversity, and Climate Resilience at Risk**

Ontario’s wetlands perform essential work: flood protection, water filtration, carbon storage, and habitat for species at risk. Weakening local conservation oversight will increase destruction of wetlands and other sensitive ecosystems.

This loss is irreversible — and deeply dangerous as Ontario faces increased flooding, extreme weather, and biodiversity collapse.

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## **4. It Undermines Public Safety by Weakening Hazard Management**

Conservation Authorities currently assess natural hazard risks with region-specific expertise. If permit standards are reduced or decisions are centralized away from local experts, communities may face increased risks from:

* flooding
* erosion
* unstable soils
* infrastructure failures

Environmental protection is not a barrier to development — it is essential for protecting lives and property.

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## **5. It Erodes Local Expertise and Accountability**

Local Conservation Authorities have built specialized, science-based teams that understand the unique hydrology, ecology, and risks of their regions. Replacing or diminishing these authorities with a centralized body reduces accountability and weakens the knowledge base required to manage watersheds effectively.

Environmental protections cannot be “one-size-fits-all.” Centralization will make Ontario less prepared, not more.

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## **6. It Fits a Broader Pattern of Weakening Environmental Oversight**

This legislation follows a series of decisions that remove checks and balances on land-use planning, including gutting tribunals, minimizing public consultation, and accelerating greenfield approvals. The public has repeatedly expressed concern about this agenda.

This bill should not proceed as another step in dismantling the institutions that protect Ontario’s natural heritage.

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# **Conclusion**

Ontario does not need weaker environmental protections. It needs stronger, more consistent, and more transparent ones. If the government is serious about addressing housing, climate resilience, and long-term economic stability, it must strengthen local conservation capacity — not strip it away.

For these reasons, I am urging you to oppose the Conservation Agency bill in its current form and support amendments that:

* prioritize ecological protection and public safety
* preserve local watershed expertise
* discourage environmentally damaging sprawl
* focus growth within existing urban boundaries

Ontario deserves a conservation system that protects people, nature, and the public interest. This bill, as written, does not meet that standard.