The proposal to consolidate…

The proposal to consolidate Ontario's 36 Conservation Authorities into 7 regional bodies is not legislation that I support.
I am concerned that this proposal is a backhanded attempt to further whittle away environmental protection in Ontario.
I reside in the GTA and have direct experience working 4 area conservation authorities on various projects. Each one is an exemplary in its focus on local issues, provides effective development support, and excellent community programs.

Centralizing conservation authorities would move decision making away from the communities and watersheds they are intended to support. It would also be a very costly exercise in rebranding.

I strongly feel that the current model for how conservation authorities work must be left as is. They do great work, provide direct local engagement on all issues including development support and offer outstanding access to greenspace.

Our conservation authorities need more investment, more funding, and be allowed to continue to do the good work they do without any merger, consolidation, or amalagamation.