The amalgamation of regional…

The amalgamation of regional conservation authorities is a terrible idea.
Foremost, and quite cynically, this plan strikes me as a move to weaken the powers of the local authorities, downsize the staff and structure by making fewer people responsible for work across a massive new area, and massively weaken critical environmental protections in the face of one of the greatest threats of our age - climate change.
These Conservation Authorities were created, in part, out of a climate disaster - Hurricane Hazel. Their powers were significantly enhanced after that to protect people all across the province. They have done a fine job. Why change? What's the rational?
One of the most important elements to the success of these CAs is the fact that they are small enough to reflect, react, remember and respond locally. Employees know the geography, they know the people in the municipal offices, they know the issues, the wildlife, the history and threats, dangers and problems.
They also are best placed to help with solutions.
Speaking specifically as a shoreline owner on the Bay of Quinte, the very last thing I want is for some far away bureaucrat in a regional HQ in Kawartha Lakes who has never set eyes on Prince Edward County to be my contact person when I need them.
This proposal is a disaster, and I do not see any upside to it.
Finally; municipalities fund 51% of the regional CAs - the province kicks in a mere 13% - are you kidding me! How does the province get to act unilaterally when they are only paying a fraction of the cost!
Wow.