​To the Ministry of the…

​To the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks,

​I am writing to express my strong concern regarding the proposal to consolidate 36 Conservation Authorities (CAs) into seven regional bodies and the creation of the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency (OPCA). While I appreciate the goal of streamlining, the current proposal creates significant risk in two critical areas: public safety/flood management and equitable public access to nature.

​1. Risk to Flood Management and Loss of Local Expertise

​The proposal to merge the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) into the much larger Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority is highly concerning for those who live and work within the Grand River watershed.

​Specific Evidence of Risk: The Grand River watershed requires specific, dedicated expertise for managing its unique flood risks. In February 2018, the area experienced catastrophic flooding that directly impacted private properties and local infrastructure. I have attached a photo of floodwater in my backyard and a video of the water level over the main roadway near the river, both taken during the 2018 event, which demonstrate the severity of the hazard.

​Need for Dedicated Management: The effectiveness of the GRCA is derived from its singular focus on its specific watershed. Diluting the governance and staff focus by expanding the mandate to cover a massive region stretching as far as Windsor will compromise the ability of the new board to swiftly and effectively prepare for and respond to critical, life-threatening events unique to the Grand River.

​Recommendation: Any consolidation must ensure that local expertise and governance power remain dedicated to high-risk watersheds, prioritizing public safety over administrative streamlining.

​2. Equitable Access to Nature and Rising User Fees

​I am also concerned that the consolidation will fail to address, and may even accelerate, the growing trend of high user fees, effectively making natural spaces inaccessible to low-income families.

​Affordability Barrier: Conservation Authorities increasingly rely on fees (such as parking and day-use permits) to cover costs, resulting in expenses that place a significant barrier on families, especially those experiencing financial struggles. Promoting active, healthy lifestyles and access to fresh air is a core public benefit that should not be monetized in this way.

​Impact on Small, Local CAs: I am concerned about the future of smaller, currently accessible areas like Galbraith Conservation Area, which is managed by the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA). These smaller sites are vital for local communities and often remain free, serving as the last source of accessible, no-cost outdoor activity.

​Recommendation: If the new structure is truly intended for efficiency, the provincial government must ensure that cost savings are reinvested to significantly increase baseline funding, thereby reducing the reliance on user fees and preserving access to nature for all Ontario residents. A mandate should be established to protect the no-fee status of small, local conservation areas like Galbraith.

​Thank you for considering the urgent public safety and equity concerns outlined in this submission.