I believe that reducing the…

I believe that reducing the number of conservation authorities is detrimental to the environment and public safety.
The present smaller authorities have vast amounts of local knowledge regarding their watersheds. They are the ones best suited to monitor flood plains and water levels in adverse weather conditions. As our climate becomes less predictable they are the ones who are able to respond locally to prevent damage and danger to lives and property. Does somebody in an office 75miles away or more see what is happening fast enough to initiate a quick response?
Will the new authorities have the same interest in saving wetlands? It has been shown that wetlands can absorb flood waters and release them slowly therefore reducing potential damage.
Will a distant office have sufficient concern regarding permits for building or other changes? There have been many examples of local authorities being overridden regarding building in a flood plain. We are getting many more 100 year storms. They are not 100 year events anymore. We should be more cautious where we build in the watershed.
The provincial government has already eroded the powers of both Conservation Authorities and local government. We should not let this go any further.