I do NOT support the…

I do NOT support the proposed changes to Ontario’s Conservation Authorities and neither should you.
I’d like to hear from you personally about what you are going to do about addressing my concerns. If you are in favour of the proposed plan, what is your rationale is so that I can explain to my grandchildren why you are irresponsibly affecting their futures in such a negative way.

My Concerns:
This is another move away from democracy where local people have a voice and potential to have input into decisions that impact us and our families now and into the future. In a 28-municipality organization, our local voice will carry less weight, but municipalities will still be funding the work.

I’m also concerned about the impact on Indigenous partners and communities who have historically done an excellent job stewarding our environment so that we can all continue to benefit from the ecosystem resources that sustain us. As well, the proposed system will negatively affect capacity in communities without providing resources.

HCA already provides efficient, reliable service. Almost all major permits have been processed on time, meeting or exceeding provincial expectations. The focus should be on improving resources where needed, not reorganizing authorities that already perform well.

The Province has not provided evidence showing why the merger is needed. The plan notes that a regional approach is required to address inefficiency and streamline permit approvals, but doesn’t provide details on where existing CAs are falling short. We believe issues like inconsistent service or outdated systems can be addressed without restructuring the entire conservation system.

Strong conservation depends on local relationships. For more than six decades, HCA’s conservation efforts have been supported by deep, local partnerships with municipalities, community groups, landowners, volunteers, foundations, and Indigenous partners. A larger, more removed agency could erode the local collaboration that makes conservation effective.

Stay out of our critically important wetlands, farmland, forests, and natural areas!