Concerning proposed…

Concerning proposed amalgamation of conservation authorities in Ontario:
I am opposed to this proposal because
1)I have particular interest in preserving the water quality
of Lake Simcoe, the nearest large body of water to my residence. This lake is under unusual stress due to
phosphorus runoff from farms, road salt from many local
roadways and high traffic Ontario highways, from a rapidly
increasing population which the Province encourages to
expand and removal of tree cover near the lake for
increased housing demands. The local authority has
greater focus on these issues and expertise in remediating
the current and future ill effects. These issues are not
in the forefront for remote rural areas e.g.near Thunder
Bay, Haliburton etc. Dealing with conservation issues
close to the large administrations of areas close to the
GTA need a different level of knowledge and expertise.
2) Large scale administration over widespread geographic
areas causes inefficiencies due to two layered administration for the larger area and then local administrative requirements. The broad area responsibility
cannot focus well on local issues, resulting in missed opportunities to see troubles ahead and to solve local
problems which can be severe. There is also loss of trust
by the populace when it becomes difficult to obtain
response to local concerns whether through information
or funding.