I do not support this…

I do not support this proposed change. This plan does not provide sufficient detail to show value for money or sufficient reason to disrupt a system that is already doing good work. Our conservation authorities already provide efficient service. In 2024, Hamilton Conservation Authority already processed 94% of major permits on time, meeting or exceeding provincial expectations. Municipal funding provides the majority of funding for Conservation Authorities, so it makes no sense for the provincial government to dictate how they should run. This merger will be costly, time consuming, and introduce more red tape.

Plus, our conservation authorities provide local knowledge and have local relationships. Species at risk diversity and threats are not equal across Ontario and require local level action. For decades conservation authorities have developed deep, local partnerships with municipalities, community groups, landowners, volunteers, foundations, and Indigenous partners. I support keeping conservation decisions rooted in our local community.

Instead of merging the entire system, please listen to the experts at HCA and their suggestions for Ontario to achieve better results:
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.

To answer your 5 discussion questions:
What do you see as key factors to support a successful transition and outcome of regional conservation authority consolidation?
Maintain existing staff and staffing levels. Do not fire or reduce staff, since that will reduce capacity of local CAs and create new delays. Maintain the current data collection process and make sure there is continuation of the work that existing CAs are already doing. Consult with local CAs and experts about the localized needs of each area.

What opportunities or benefits may come from a regional conservation authority framework?
I’m not opposed to having some consistent standards and processes developed across CAs as long as they are sensitive to regional variations and needs.

Do you have suggestions for how governance could be structured at the regional conservation authority level, including suggestions around board size, make-up and the municipal representative appointment process?
I’m honestly not sure because this seems like such a bad and messy idea. It’s clear that you haven’t thought it through either. Details like these should be part of the proposal you put forward.

Do you have suggestions on how to maintain a transparent and consultative budgeting process across member municipalities within a regional conservation authority?
Just keep all their budgets separate and the same? Making changes is going to be more costly than the status quo.

How can regional conservation authorities maintain and strengthen relationships with local communities and stakeholders?
Again, this seems to be a contradictory goal, but my suggestion would be to keep existing local staff since they are already doing this. Relationships take years to develop especially with Indigenous stakeholders.