Honourable Minister and…

Honourable Minister and Premier,

I do not agree with your decision to amalgamate the conservation authorities into a few very large, widespread geographical areas. The local conservation authorities are important for many reasons as the employees live in the area and they know the local landscape and waterways well and have an awareness of weather trends that can impact flooding etc... and how to best respond to various situations and emergencies. In our small town of Durham, Ontario, flooding was a significant issue in 1997 causing severe damage to homes and businesses and many people had to evacuate their dwellings. The Saugeen Conservation Authority and local citizens are now on high alert at sensitive times of the year, like now. Due to this conscientious approach, subsequent large scale flooding has been avoided. Authority members in Thunder Bay are not going to be in tune with what is happening in our local town on a daily basis. I worked for the SVCA when I was a student many years ago so I know firsthand the important work that is done locally for parks and recreation.

In addition, my greater fear is that this reformation of conservation land is another attempt by the conservative government to rip up land that is designated for parkland, environmental stability and wildlife preservation, for the sole purpose of building not-so-affordable housing. There are many vacate lots within towns and cities in this province that are suitable for affordable housing units, (small apartment buildings, duplexes, small homes etc..), without taking sensitive parkland and farmland. Support LOCAL developers with incentives to build on these vacant lots instead of catering to the economic gain of big developers who do not care about the importance and necessity of farmland and parkland. (And what about all the current homes that are for sale that people cannot afford?) Mr. Ford, you are supposed to representing ALL Ontarians, not just your wealthy close friends. PLEASE listen to and respond appropriately to the valuable insight of your constituents!