The proposed move from 36…

The proposed move from 36 conservation authorities to just 7 raises major concerns about local accountability, environmental protection, and public safety across Ontario. Watersheds across the province are incredibly diverse, and local expertise is essential for understanding everything from flooding risks to erosion to habitat protection. A “one-size-fits-all” model risks missing critical on-the-ground realities.

With such large consolidated regions, decisions could be made by boards representing dozens of municipalities. This makes it harder for communities to have meaningful input and weakens the strong local relationships that conservation authorities have built over decades. As several CA board chairs have noted, losing that connection could slow approvals, create confusion, and ultimately produce the opposite of what the Province intends.

There are also serious questions about how emergency management will work under this model. Conservation authorities play key roles in flood forecasting, warning, and response. If local expertise becomes diluted or harder to access, the impacts during flood events could be significant. Many regions have already faced repeated flooding in recent years, and emergency systems need to be strengthened, not stretched thinner.

These proposed changes also come after several years of legislation that has reduced conservation authorities’ ability to protect wetlands, forests, and water quality. Given this history, it’s understandable that many Ontarians are skeptical that such a major restructuring would lead to better outcomes for communities or the environment.

I urge the Province to work directly with conservation authorities to explore approaches that support consistency without sacrificing strong local representation and watershed-specific expertise. Any changes need to keep environmental protection, emergency preparedness, and community input at the forefront.