I have previously worked in…

I have previously worked in a position which required me to that confirm permits being issued under my authority were not contrary to law, including the conservation authorities act. Many of these permits were in various conservation authorities which had differing policies and standards. I welcome and encourage the provincial government to make the way conservation authorities regulate activities and enforce policies to be consistent throughout our province. However, the proposed regional conservation area boundaries raises some concern, particularly in eastern Ontario. The landscapes in eastern Ontario differ within an hour drive, so do our local priorities, economies, and societies. I think amalgamating some conservation authorities is needed, but please consider not doing so at the amount proposed. I ask that in eastern Ontario only raisin region conservation authority and south nation conservation authority be amalgamated together. These two conservation authorities are very similar in watersheds, environmental, and social/agricultural landscapes. Logistically it is also still feasible for staff to travel within those two watersheds within reasonable time to reach sites and assets. Again, I agree with the provincial government's intent on these changes, but please ask that the boundary changes be reduced. Thank you for your consideration.