The proposed consolidation…

The proposed consolidation model combines communities and watersheds with little shared hydrology or infrastructure. This approach is simply not suited to the Conservation Authority mandate.

My local Conservation Authority would become part of the “Huron-Superior Regional Conservation Authority”. An amalgamation of 7 existing authorities serving 5 cities, 21 municipalities, 20 towns and 34 townships. This proposed regional conservation authority will be attempting to provide service to 80 different mayors, councils and planning departments.

While there is always room for improvement, there are authorities that are doing an excellent job in fulfilling their mandate. The best practices employed by these authorities should be identified and implemented across the system.

Watershed planning and land use must be effectively integrated at the municipal level.

Permitting, floodplain management and watershed planning must be based on local site conditions and municipal growth patterns.

The Province should withdraw this application and commit to a meaningful public consultation process and to working with the Conservation Authorities on a sound plan for modernization.

The question also remains, what is the motivation of the Premier in this consolidation. Is it part of a larger plan to upset the status quo to benefit a few developers in his inner circle.

I do not support this plan. The Ontario Government has shown no regard for environmental policies and continues in this vein by upsetting a system that was put in place as a result of a horrific disaster. Doug Ford's plan to consolidate is a disaster.