I strongly disagree with the…

I strongly disagree with the proposal to consolidate Ontario's Conservation Authorities into 7 large regional authorities. As a homeowner within Ontario, I deeply understand and appreciate the work that CAs complete, both by requirement (the Conservation Act) and by commitment to the environment. The work that CAs completes is so appreciated by so many, but also deeply misunderstand by so many. Taking away the ability for CAs to use local expertise and make local decisions is one that will provide no benefits for Ontarians or for our local environment. CAs PROTECT ONTARIANS. Diminishing the work they do will result in increased risk for properties, structures, and people. Not to mention the education provided to local watershed residents and students that will be potentially lost if consolidation occurs.

As is well obvious, impacts from climate change are becoming more frequent and long-lasting. Increased storms results in increased precipitation. Unpredictable temperatures results in faster and more common snowmelt events. Flooding is increasing, both in quantity of flood events and in the amount of overland water. Local CAs with local representation completing local work help mitigate the effect of flooding on people and properties.

Priorities of the Ontario government should be:
- to protect existing programs and services currently operated by CAs
- to keep conservation local and ensure local representation in governance
- to reduce the size of the proposed regions
- to listen to local communities.

THIS PROPOSAL HAS SERIOUS, LONG-LASTING, NEGATIVE IMPLICATIONS FOR ONTARIO COMMUNITIES.