The provincial government…

The provincial government has advanced no adequate reasons why the 36 current watershed-based Conservation Authorities should be amalgamated into 7 non-heterogenous and massive Conservation Authorities. There are no demonstrable cost savings or explanations of how centralized agencies can manage huge, sprawling Regions with differing watersheds, hydrology, multiple municipalities, and differing risk factors.

The logical creation of the CAs nearly 80 years ago accounted for the unique heritage features of each watershed, their riverine characteristics and allowed each CA to develop the best method of dealing with potential severe weather events. Over the course of these many decades, CA Board members and staff have developed meaningful relationships with their municipalities and citizens , with a special focus on Indigenous People. Their expertise and experience in managing storms, floods, droughts, and invasive species, etc. cannot be underestimated. A new central group cannot grasp the significance of weather shifts, unapproved permits, over-development, wetland loss. The list of losses is long if this poorly considered amalgamation is allowed to go forward.

It will harm CA staff, municipalities, and all Ontarians who currently enjoy the CA programs which have been created specifically for them in their own areas.

Please do not subject the people of Ontario to this new proposal which does not benefit the nature lover, the hiker, or family outings in any way. These people should be your main consideration as they pay for memberships, day passes, make donations. These stalwart supporters of CAs provide much needed revenue so their needs must be met.

No cost benefit has been demonstrated. All CAs are already willing to centralize IT systems and technology if it will make them truly effective. There is no proof that costs will be reduced. We know centralization will be expensive, time-consuming, and confusing for everyone.

We have a system that works effectively and safely, based on the work of dedicated scientists, ecologists, hydrologists, botanists, and experts in every field. These strengths and talents must be respected – they cannot immediately transfer their skills to unknown watershed situations.

What happens to all the existing buildings, some just newly completed? The province must give some indication how they intend to handle so many amusement areas, trail stations, the fleet, uniforms. Has any thought been given to the day-to-day management of a newly formed board who has no experience whatsoever in this highly technical realm of conservation and preservation? While the Minister says there will be no layoffs and that management staff can become front-line workers, it is difficult to understand how a Marketing Advisor or Finance Manager, for example, can instantly become a trained hydrogeologist or arborist.

Please leave the 36 Conservation Authorities intact because they will be needed more than ever as the climate crises advances. Local first responders, who know the rivers and dams will be needed FAST to deliver updates and rescues to local citizens. This centralized agency spells disaster for Ontarians.