Proposed boundaries for the…

Proposed boundaries for the regional consolidation of Ontario’s conservation authorities
ERO Number 025-1257:

After reading this proposed change to boundaries for the Ontario conservation authorities, I am disheartened with the lack of concern for the natural world in which we, humans, are mere participants. As all beings are at risk during this climate crisis, now is not the time to dismantle the authorities that are so well versed in the needs of these sensitive environments. The proposed boundaries have no regard for these natural border, or the expertise of the staff who work within this "fragmented system."

As a resident within the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority's boundaries, I believe that this proposed amalgamation would have a devastating impact on the Maitland Valley
Conservation Authority, and the incredible partnerships the authority has with municipalities like
mine, and with other local land owners and service clubs. The “red tape” Minister McCarthy is referring to in his the October 31 announcement, is the policy, professionalism and knowledge unique
conservation authorities like Maitland Valley Conservation Authority bring to our respective communities with environmental stewardship at the heart of everything they do.
Maitland Valley Conservation Authority has a history of working closely with landowners to protect our watershed and manage flood risk. The proposed centralization of conservation authorities would lead to a significant erosion of these partnerships.

Further, the projects and operations of Maitland Valley Conservation Authority are funded largely with contributions from our local municipalities ... ones in its jurisdiction….In other words, municipal property taxes paid by individual property owners in our region. Centralization of services would see these funds taken out of our communities, with no guarantee of return, or the service levels that we presently benefit from being maintained. This amalgamation also threatens long term projects such as our Healthy Lake Huron efforts.

An amalgamation of conservation authorities will NOT protect the vulnerable will instead spell disaster.

Please reconsider this proposal to ensure that the natural boundaries of these environments receive the stewardship that they deserve and that we, those who live here, are able to continue appropriate stewardship for the next seven generations.

Sometimes, doing the Right Thing is not always the easiest or most economically rewarding Thing.