Hello My career with Ontario…

Hello
My career with Ontario Conservation Authorities spans five decades. I wish to encourage the new ministry politicians and staff to learn more about the history, depth of experience, collaboration, and resource and financial partnerships that exist in every watershed served by a Conservation Authority before moving forward.

I do not support the amalgamation of CAs. I support the position and arguments submitted to the ERO by the Hamilton Conservation Authority, the former General Managers and Retirees of the CA Branch and other CA retirees, Water Watchers, Ontario Nature, and Save Our Streams.

The 1946 Conservation Authorities Act is the result of five years of work by engineers, scientists, anglers, agrologists, naturalists, politicians, academics and others after meeting at the 1941Guelph Conference in the Grand River watershed (1933). It is a model that is envied world-wide. A watershed approach in developing countries is a strong tool for sustainable development, balancing economic development and environmental protection. Ontario has benefitted from this recognition and leadership. Why politicize that!

What works is local, community-based decision-making; passionate volunteers and donors. Informed local, corporate and government collaboration and funding is necessary, but the leadership must be local and watershed-based.