I do not believe to that…

I do not believe to that merging conservation areas will benefit the people of Ontario.

I am concerned that merger particularly around Lake Ontario west will endanger work already carried out by the present authorities who do a very good job. They have been able to increase public access to green spaces and create new or restored areas such as Saltfleet by Hamilton and restoration of the old industrial areas along Lake Ontario by CVC.

Credit Valley has a large urban population who are encouraged to visit and even volunteer in the conservation areas. They have a good local information and education programs. Would the larger merged authorities be able to provide programs tailored to local populations?
Credit Valley supports local landowners with action plans, rural water quality and restoring/maintaining riparian areas.

Will the easing of permitting rules lead to unsuitable development locations in the watershed? The Conservation authorities were created after hurricane Hazel to prevent building in the flood plains. We are now seeing many more 100 year storm events we should not be anxious to ingress into flood plains.

Local knowledge of these areas is very important, would this be maintained with larger authorities?

So far there has been no mention of how the new plan will be funded. Local municipalities should not be asked to pay for something they will no longer have control over. Should Ontario taxes payers have to support a program which the majority will not benefit from any more than they do from the present system.

In summary, reducing the numbers of conservation areas will not be good for the long term environmental health of Ontario.