Thank you for the…

Thank you for the opportunity to provide input on this proposal. I am providing input as a life-long resident of the Lake Huron Watershed, specifically in watersheds draining into the southeast shore of Lake Huron.
From the questions provided to guide our input, it appears the province is not looking for input on whether or not the consolidation of Conservation Authorities into seven regional CAs is a positive proposal for citizens and municipalities. The premise that consolidation will improve services is not correct. I do not support the Huron-Superior boundary.
I agree that conservation authority boundaries should be on a watershed basis that is appropriate for their mandate, watershed characteristics and local environmental issues. This exists in current Lake Huron Conservation Authorities.
I agree relationships between conservation authorities and municipalities should continue as accountable and strong partnerships. This is already in place, along with financial transparency, in the CAs on Southwestern Ontario. Strong local municipal governance and oversight is fundamental to deliver vital watershed management programs and services that protect communities from natural hazards. Locally, I have not heard of any municipalities calling for amalgamation of Conservation Authorities.
Expertise and capacity at conservation authorities is meeting the needs of citizens and municipalities.
It would be better to strengthen the capacity of Conservation Ontario and a Conservation Authorities Branch at a provincial ministry rather than creating a new provincial agency. This province agency, as well as the regional conservation authority body will add two new layers of bureaucracy. I have not heard of anyone asking for more bureaucracy.
I agree the programs for hazard management, conservation lands, recreation, drinking water source protection should continue to be core programs with increased financial support from the province. These programs should be enhanced with programs which increase the efficacy of these core programs.

The current proposal has similar characteristics to the restructuring of the Ontario Provincial Police which happened recently. There is less input from local municipalities and there is less connection and service to local communities. The OPP budget has not decreased.
A simple example is the record check required for working with volunteer organizations and employers. Five years ago, my Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) took less than a week at my local OPP detachment. My new VSC was completed online and took two months. Nothing in my situation changed to make this a more complex review.
Police officers are less familiar with the communities they serve - the people, the properties and the issues. I doubt any municipal councilors are pleased with the amalgamation.

Thank you for your careful review of my comments.