I am firmly opposed to the…

I am firmly opposed to the proposal to merge Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities into seven regional bodies. This plan will significantly weaken environmental protection, eliminate local oversight, and reduce the accountability Ontarians rely on to keep our communities safe.

Conservation authorities are effective because they are local. They understand the specific flooding risks, watersheds, shorelines, and development pressures in each community. Consolidating them into massive regions will dilute that expertise, delay decision-making, and make it harder for residents and municipalities to get timely support.

At a time when climate-driven flooding, fires, and extreme weather are increasing, dismantling local environmental oversight is reckless. Nothing in this proposal shows that consolidation will improve outcomes, reduce costs, or speed up permitting. Instead, it risks creating a more centralized system that is less responsive and more vulnerable to political pressure.

This proposal also raises serious concerns about reduced municipal representation and inadequate consultation with Indigenous nations, whose rights and stewardship responsibilities must be respected in any decisions affecting land, water, and development.

Ontario needs stronger environmental protection—not a system that concentrates power, weakens safeguards, and sidelines local knowledge.

I strongly urge the province to withdraw this proposal and conduct meaningful consultation with municipalities, Indigenous communities, conservation authority experts, and the public.