After doing some research on…

After doing some research on the proposal to amalgamate Ontario's 36 conservation authorities into 7 regional conservation authorities I must say that I don't believe this will have a positive conservation impact. In the official news release by the Government of Ontario it is mentioned a multitude of times that this proposal will get shovels in the ground faster on homes and other infrastructure projects. When the majority of the reason behind adjusting this conservation authority stems from wanting to build up the economy and not from wanting to better protect our watersheds it's very reasonable to understand why this development is viewed as concerning. The main complaint mentioned in the press release about the original conservation system is that due to the fragmentation of the authorities many have different policies, standards and fees. This makes it more difficult for developers to gain approval in a timely manner as there are more hoops to jump through. The proposal of just 7 regional conservation authorities all under the same policies would cut down this time dramatically. I believe this proposal seems far too simplified to manage so many unique watersheds accordingly. The original 36 conservation authorities are all experts in their own communities, and watersheds with almost a hundred years of institutional knowledge. By diluting the 36 conservation authorities to the singular provincial governing board, Ontario Provincial Conservation Authority, risks allowing developers to run unchecked in sensitive areas. The municipalities and communities have a relationship with their conservation authorities and work hand in hand to keep watersheds safe and flood risks at a minimum. By creating a singular large regulatory body that relationship becomes disconnected as the same level of outreach won't be possible. To summarize I don't believe this proposal will be beneficial, I believe it will result in more rapid development in flood risk areas, overlooking of individual community needs and overall a conservation authority that is less effective at what is supposed to be the most important aspect of the job, watershed management and protecting communities from natural hazards.