Ontario’s conservation…

Ontario’s conservation authorities succeed because they are rooted in their watersheds and governed by local municipalities who understand local conditions, hazards, and community needs. The current watershed-based model ensures decisions are informed by decades of on‑the‑ground knowledge.

Consolidating these authorities into a massive regional body would dilute accountability, weaken municipal partnerships, and overlook local ecological and hydrological realities. Consolidation of public agencies in Ontario has not proven effective, and such restructuring would only slow responses, reduce field capacity, and compromise hazard management and flood protection. Southwestern Ontario needs more resources for flood control, hazard management, habitat restoration, and water quality, not a costly administrative overhaul.

Conservation authorities already collaborate, share services, and demonstrate fiscal responsibility. They do not need dismantling to achieve efficiencies. Each watershed is distinct, and a mega‑authority cannot reflect their unique identities or needs. Ontario’s model is internationally respected and should be strengthened, not abandoned.

The proposed consolidation would strip municipalities of meaningful representation, leaving critical decisions to individuals disconnected from local watersheds. It would erode decades of relationships, data, and expertise built to protect communities. Municipalities are stating plainly that consolidation fails to meet their needs.

Watershed-based management is not a barrier to efficiency, it is the reason conservation authorities have been effective for nearly 80 years.

I urge the Province to withdraw or significantly revise ERO proposal 025‑1257.