Dear Minister Todd J…

Dear Minister Todd J. McCarthy, I am writing as a resident of Ontario who is deeply concerned about the impacts of Bill 68 and the proposed restructuring of our Conservation Authorities (CAs). While I support modernization, efficiency, and improved provincial coordination, I believe the current approach risks weakening the very systems that protect our homes, our water, our farmland, and our natural heritage. I respectfully ask the Province to amend Bill 68 so that modernization does not come at the cost of local expertise, local decision-making, and public trust. Below are specific solutions that would help strengthen the legislation while maintaining the Province’s stated goals.
1. Protect Local Expertise and Decision-Making Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities possess decades of watershed knowledge, community partnerships, and emergency response experience that cannot be replicated by a centralized agency. I request that the Province: • Guarantee that local technical teams, monitoring stations, and emergency response remain under local authority. • Ensure OPCA cannot override local technical recommendations without documented scientific rationale and local consultation. • Protect bilingual services and Indigenous partnership structures that exist in certain CAs.
2. Maintain Municipal and Indigenous Representation in Governance Local municipalities and Indigenous Nations contribute funding, knowledge, and land stewardship. I request that the Province: • Require that regional CA boards include majority municipal representation, plus Indigenous voting seats. • Ensure OPCA’s role is coordination and support, not direct governance or override powers. • Protect the existing watershed advisory structures that reflect local community needs.
3. Phase the Transition and Prevent Service Disruption Flood forecasting, permit reviews, hazard mapping, and emergency support must not be disrupted. I request that the Province: • Implement a phased transition with clear safeguards to ensure no reduction in service levels. • Commit to maintaining current permit timelines and local access to services. • Protect critical technical staff positions during restructuring.
4. Protect Conservation Lands and Public Access Communities have donated land and tax dollars for conservation purposes, often with the expectation that the land will remain protected and accessible. I request that the Province: • Guarantee, in legislation, that conservation lands cannot be repurposed, developed, or subjected to user fees without local approval. • Affirm that stewardship decisions will continue to be made at the local level.
5. Focus Modernization on Shared Tools, Not Centralized Control The most effective “next-generation” watershed model would strengthen science and data, not weaken local authority. I request that the Province: • Build a provincial Watershed Science and Data Network that supports all 36 CAs. • Invest in shared digital permit systems that still rely on local decision-making. • Create a Centre of Excellence for watershed science, climate adaptation, and Indigenous partnership.
6. Conduct Meaningful Consultation Given the scale of change, impacted communities deserve a full and transparent engagement process. I request that the Province: • Extend the consultation period and include municipalities, Indigenous Nations, farmers, landowners, and conservation groups. • Release impact assessments demonstrating how public safety, flood risk, planning timelines, and environmental protection will be upheld.
Closing
I support improvements that make Ontario’s watershed management stronger. However, Bill 68, in its current form, centralizes authority in ways that could reduce service quality, weaken local expertise, and jeopardize long-standing community and environmental protections. I urge the Province to incorporate the above solutions so modernization truly strengthens Ontario’s ability to manage water, land, and climate challenges.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,

Casselman, Ontario