Response to proposed changes…

Response to proposed changes to Conservation Authorities

I am very familiar with the effectiveness, efficiency and regional representation of the operation of the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority. Since the LRCA is 1300 kms from the nearest of the 7 Authorities with which it is proposed to be consolidated, I will be answering from the perspective of this region and the effect that would follow such a consolidation.

What do you see as key factors to support a successful transition and
outcome of regional conservation authority consolidation?

Key factors supporting an effective transition:
The Province:
• Allowing the conservation authorities (local experts) to continue meeting to share best practices and common issues.
• Listening to Conservation Ontario – the experts in the field.
• Involving the municipalities in determining a governance structure that is inclusive and effectively represents the variety of issues facing western and southern Ontario and those differing factors that face the northwestern Ontario watershed.
• Explaining to the municipalities why they should be paying additional levy money for additional governance through an agency in which they will have minimal representation And likely have little effective input in what levy they will be paying for local services as it will be based on the needs of the other municipalities comprising the proposed consolidated regional authority
• Involving Each of the Conservation Authorities in determining all aspects of service delivery including:
• identifying common issues
• Identifying those areas where they differ and how to address them
• Identifying and implementing effective financial systems
• Identifying and implementing staffing
• Identifying and implementing common permitting system and allowing each authority to manage their own

What opportunities or benefits may come from a regional conservation authority framework?

Collaboration could assist in development of new initiatives since watersheds overlap. However, the current authorities do already look to one another for support, and best practice.
It is likely that in Southern, Western, Eastern and Northeastern Ontario there will be some benefits to a regional framework. From the perspective of the public, perhaps it will streamline some services and access to information. However, if the ease of access means endless time on hold waiting for a call to be answered or having a BOT deliver FAQ answers online the result could be less effective and efficient than having the local resource answer the phone and guide you through a process or answer your questions.

It is difficult to imagine many benefits resulting for the Lakehead Region. Permitting system has a fast turnaround. Customer service is exceptional. Staff live in and understand the area. Staff are respected as experts in the field and provide resources and support for communities and citizens in the region. They are leading the conservation and protection of the Lakehead watershed as well as safeguarding the people, property and communities they serve.

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?

The local authorities should still have representatives from each municipality on their Board. Each local Board could then select an equal number of representatives to the Regional Authority. (Similar to the Regional Municipal governance model) Agendas at the Regional meetings would have equal weight and attention for each area.

Also, there should still be citizen representation on the local Boards and the Regional Boards. Citizens are your “boots on the ground”. They animate discussions and bring forward ideas, concerns and comments that might not otherwise be presented.

Do you have suggestions on how to maintain a transparent and consultative budgeting process across member municipalities within a regional conservation authority?

I am not sure what is not transparent about the current process. The Province has many systems in place to ensure transparency and the municipalities all receive draft budgets prior to Conservation Authority Board approval or inclusion in municipal budgets.

The budget development should continue to be built from the ground up, not from the top down. The Agency can set financial parameters for each region, but the individual authorities should be able to set and manage their budgets within those parameters.

How can regional conservation authorities maintain and strengthen relationships with local communities and stakeholders?

The local authorities have the best ability to maintain stakeholder relationships. Local people are very vested in their local authorities to deliver services and programs and this relationship should be respected and enhanced by the regional authorities.

Education and Stewardship should be financially supported by the Province. While social media does play a role in communicating the work of the Cas but these post are competing with so many others.
It is through these education and stewardship initiatives that the essential work of the Conservation Authorities can be best disseminated. Direct experience, involvement and communication is the best way to communicate the valuable work of the Conservation Authority in the preservation of the watershed and ensuring community safety in these areas. The Province should recognize the value of these initiatives through financial support.

The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority has not relied on a single medium to communicate its work. It has done an impressive job in communicating its role in the community through social, media, education, stewardship, community events, and community announcements. It continues to work with public and private sector organizations and has developed many positive relationships. In addition, it solicits and responds to feedback from the communities.

Final Comments:

I am opposed to the Province’s proposed amalgamation of the Lakehead Regional Conservation Authority with 6 other Southern Ontario Conservation Authorities to form the Huron Superior Regional Conservation Authority.

Given the distance from other Conservation Authorities, difference in watersheds, the efficiency and effectiveness, fiscal responsibility, community impact and outreach of the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority, I am in support of the creation of an 8th Regional Conservation Authority: the Northwestern Ontario Regional Conservation Authority.