As a citizen of Ontario, I…

As a citizen of Ontario, I urge you not to proceed with the amalgamation of the province's 36 conservation authorities into seven regional authorities, as proposed in ERO #025-1257 and Bill 68. These changes undermine the independence and decision-making power of conservation authorities, which are essential for community flood resilience, water quality, and natural ecosystems.

Conservation authorities were established to address concerns about flooding and erosion, particularly after Hurricane Hazel in 1954. They manage development and conservation initiatives at a watershed level, reflecting local needs and voices. The proposed amalgamation contradicts this principle by centralizing power within the provincial government and allowing the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to issue directives to the new regional authorities.

The suggested boundaries for these authorities are too broad to ensure relevant local decision-making. For example, merging eight conservation authorities into a single Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority would serve 77 municipalities with distinct needs. This is particularly concerning given the local impacts of extreme weather events and communities' capacity to manage risk. Additionally, this approach overlooks the unique ecological characteristics of specific areas, such as the Kingston area's distinct hydrology and biodiversity. Ignoring such local specifics may increase communities' vulnerability to flooding and environmental harm.

Furthermore, there is no evidence that this change would effectively contribute to housing development. The Housing Affordability Task Force report does not identify conservation authorities as barriers to housing access.

Additionally, the process for this amalgamation lacks transparency. ERO #025-1257 does not clearly outline the changes in Bill 68, which limit public consultation opportunities and undermine the Environmental Bill of Rights.

For these reasons, I urge you to reconsider the proposed amalgamation. Instead, conservation authorities should be supported to effectively protect local communities, including those in the Kingston area, from floods and to ensure a healthy natural environment.