As an Ontario resident…

As an Ontario resident living in the area that the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority manages, I am against the proposed amalgamation of 36 authorities into 7 regional districts. After reading several articles and resources to better understand the reason behind this proposal, here are the points that stand out as reasons not to consider this proposal as it stands. There are other solutions rather than the drastic format proposed.

Why is the current Province proposing legislation that will reduce the power and effectiveness of local conservation authorities setup 70 years ago by the Province to mitigate flood damage? After the destruction of Hurricane Hazel in 1954, with 81 deaths and $1.3 billion in property damage), conservation authorities were empowered to buy land, restrict construction on floodplains, and manage dams, reservoirs and channels to control floodwaters. With more destructive extreme weather forecasted with climate change, our province cannot reduce the effectiveness of prevention and future mitigation of floods. The proposed CPCA will make the 7 regional authorities more reactive than proactive. Is the province prepared to cover the insurance costs of flooding due to mismanagement?

Minister Todd McCarthy announced that “Conservation authorities play a vital role in protecting our communities and managing our watersheds, but the system has become too fragmented, inconsistent and outdated. Where is the proof that delays are occurring? There must be a balance between time, development and protecting residents in the area from flooding. I rely on the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) to answer my questions on floodplains in my neighbourhood, especially as urban expansion and commercial development threatens rural lands.
To mandate the RVCA into amalgamating into the proposed St. Lawrence Authority that would cover 18,000 sq. km and 46 municipalities is not reasonable or effective. We need local boots on the ground monitoring the water levels, water quality.

Why add another layer of government oversight that the municipalities will have to pay for all the costs? I agree with the South Nation Conservation Authority who advised that: “Conservation Authorities exist to manage natural systems based on watersheds, not political boundaries — because water, flooding, erosion, and environmental impacts follow rivers and landscapes, not municipal lines.”
To ensure no political bias, I suggest that conservation authorities should not have any politicians on their board, rather boards that consist of residential owners, woodlot owners, farms and businesses in the area. Why not work with the conservation authorities on ways to amalgamate locally, combine their knowledge, resources and ensure housing development is not delayed and most important preventing conditions susceptible to flooding.

Since 2018, the current Province has gutted environmental protections primarily based on the fact that housing must be fast tracked, regardless as to the cost of our important natural resources and species. Ontario’s conservation practices were once modeled by other countries. It is the role and responsibility of the Provincial government to support citizens and work with municipalities in this regard, not be more authoritative.

Thank you for your time reviewing this submission and others sent by various concerned citizens, scientists and organizations. I have confidence that your board will do the responsible and lawful action of not allowing this proposed legislation go through in its present state.