Overall, I am concerned…

Overall, I am concerned about the consolidation of the multiple conservation authorities. I believe this change is happening too fast. More time is needed to engage with local conservation authorities and honour their perspectives. I feel they know best what their respective regions need and provide an invaluable guiding hand through this process.

I think instead of downsizing the number of conservation authorities, there should be more efforts towards standardizing the processes for approval within the existing municipalities. For the Essex Region Conservation Authority, for instance. They've implemented mechanisms to improve efficiency with regards to approving permits, and ensuring landowners are kept informed more regularly and have ease of access to materials. In cases such as these, couldn't the authorities continue to follow their protocols, but guidance could be provided to other existing CAs that are having difficulties?

Even if efficiency is achieved by downsizing the number of conservation authorities, I am concerned for the quality of management that will be achieved at the local watershed level, where restoration and conservation strategies must be specific and scientifically informed. I think a few existing members of the current CAs must be part of a "board" in the broader regional authority. For example, the regional conservation authority proposed to encompass Lake Erie should include members from the St Clair Region Conservation Authority, and the Essex Region Conservation Authority, etc...on a board to help guide local restoration. Alternatively, each of these CAs could be affiliated with the broader regional conservation authority, but would be allowed to continue their operations as normal - but now adhering to a standardized protocols between them.