I am fundamentally opposed…

I am fundamentally opposed to the amalgamation of Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities into seven regional conservation authorities with direct oversight by the provincial minister. Although some minor tweaks to the current structure may be beneficial, such drastic measures as those proposed, can only be considered harmful.
Already, during its mandate, this current government has made several significant changes which undermine the control and effectiveness of Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities. Further undermining is not in the best interests of Ontarions when it comes to the ever-increasing risks posed by climate change. Instead of undermining the local knowledge each Conservation Authority currently provides, amalgamation would put all Ontarions at increased risk of flooding and other hazards.
Local environmental expertise provided by the current Conservation Authorities is especially essential to local citizens, developers, farmers and municipalities. Accurate information is quickly provided by trusted and known staff which is close-by and knowledgeable of local conditions. Amalgamation would diminish, perhaps even erase, the local knowledge which is so essential to Conservation Authorities’ work and effectiveness.
As well, the geographical and physical conditions of each watershed differ from one to the other. Amalgamation does not recognize this fact and would therefore decrease the effectiveness and efficiency of the seven large authorities. Confusion and much slower approval times would be the result – exactly what the provincial government doesn’t want.
And, what about the cost of integrating governance, technology and operations across such vast amalgamated areas? I can only see this resulting in costs outweighing savings, while adding distance and complexity. Amalgamation: costly and inefficient!
And, what about control? These new proposals remove local power and place it with farther away provincial power. That is an undermining of democracy.

I ask you not to go forward with the amalgamation of Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities into seven regional conservation authorities with direct oversight by the provincial minister. Local knowledge, expertise, response, and democracy must be respected and is the best way to protect the citizens of Ontario.