I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my concern about the proposed amalgamation of our Conservation Authorities and urge you to look into improving resources where needed without amalgamation. I would like to know what the justification is for the proposed amalgamation as I have not seen anything that justifies this massive shakeup which seems like it will just slow things down and cost more money.

I live in Hamilton where we are well served by 4 Conservation Authorities, all doing a very good job at managing the water that flows through their watershed, stewarding the environmentally significant natural lands that have been entrusted to them, educating our community and helping landowners to manage their lands. I do not understand how this incredible service could be maintained with 1 conservation authority serving 28 communities, especially when no funding model has been announced. Conservation Authorities work well because of the personal connection with community. This is impossible to maintain at a large scale.

The current Conservation Authority system functions very well and is envied in many other areas. It makes no sense to change something that is working and what might just need a bit of help to become standardized. Amalgamation will not make things more efficient and will not speed up the permitting process. I believe the CAs around Hamilton have been issuing permits that meet the criteria within the allocated timeframe. So the permitting process is not slow.

I believe the following would work better:
- Setting clear, consistent provincial standards across all conservation authorities, and holding everyone accountable to them.
- Investing in shared technology, such as the provincial permitting portal, within the current structure.
- Providing stable provincial funding to strengthen core programs and modernize operations.
- Working directly with municipalities, Indigenous partners, conservation authorities, and residents before making any major changes.

I support my local Conservation Authorities and am concerned about losing local decision-making and I want conservation decisions to stay in my community.