I do not agree that the…

I do not agree that the Government of Ontario's strategy of changing boundaries and enlarging conservation management areas is well though-out or effective strategy.

I live in the catchment of the Hamilton Conservation Authority. This area has been extremely well managed over my years of involvement with it; in Hamilton, due to years of industrialization and apathy, we were in a mess with our wetlands and waterways but we now have healthier greenspace, healthier wetlands, and a more livable community. Under Hamilton Conservation Authority management, we have great access to our conservation areas at a reasonable cost, even for me on a fixed income. Because it's managed locally, every decision made is with the best standards with our local area in mind. Because it is managed locally, we have an active group of volunteers who donate time, effort, and money to do what needs to be done. Because it is managed locally, the conservation staff have a thorough understanding of both the environmental needs and the social needs of our community. Because it is managed locally, there has been effort put toward engaging and planning together with local Indigenous communities.

The Government of Ontario's plan will NOT save money; the money needed to manage our conservation lands needs to be spent regardless of who is managing it and the truth is, the larger the management area, the more travel (not very environmentally friendly, is it?), the less local commitment (missing out on community fundraising and local volunteers will cost a LOT!) and for more money, our conservation lands will be less well managed. This is a situation of "save a penny, spend a dollar" is sure to be the outcome.

The Government of Ontario's plan will NOT mean healthier greenspace. Broadened boundaries will mean individual areas within conservation areas will not get the attention they need; how does someone from miles away understand the priorities in our local conservation areas?

We've heard it all from the Government of Ontario: We promise not to develop the greenbelt, we'll develop the greenbelt, we won't develop the greenbelt, yes, we will develop the greenbelt, but we'll develop it "wisely because we need housing" even though many communities have put forward plans for housing without greenbelt development. Funny how none of it ever seems to be rooted in what's best for our local environment; that's because the Government of Ontario doesn't understand what our LOCAL priorities need to be!

I agree with HCA’s submission to the ERO. I am deeply concerned about losing local decision-making and I heartily support keeping conservation decisions rooted in our local communities.