Having so far lived my…

Having so far lived my entire life within the boundaries of the Grand River Conservation Authority I believe it is important to maintain the current boundaries that reflect each individual watershed. This allows for quicker responses in times of emergency such as spring flooding and ice jams. Tracking of native and invasive species that move along the watershed. The preservation of the areas along the watershed so as to protect the watershed and in turn our drinking water.

I understand as a property owner the inconvenience of the additional paperwork and cost that one has to go through to start projects. Much of which in my personal opinion would not have needed to occur if not for the constant cutting of funds to the conservation authorities' funding to save on taxes. This paperwork is needed to protect the property owner from making a mistake that could cost them if their structure was to collapse due to ground conditions, damage or divert a waterway, impact water to another user. These issues are not always considered when municipalities and private interests are looking as to how to obtain a profit or complete a project quickly.

It should also be realized these fees paid to the conservation authorities is reinvested back into the communities that the individual watersheds flow through. These fees go to maintaining public infrastructure, public recreation facilities, research, and education.

Conservation authorities need to be kept smaller so that each community in which the watershed flows through can have a equal voice heard at the table. To provide the communities an opportunity to express their plans and in return allow the conservation authority to express their concerns. Allowing both parties the chance for greater insight to each others long term goals for infrastructure, public recreation, and education.