The merger of conservation…

The merger of conservation authorities to a regional structure limits the local approaches conservation authorities currently take to protect the public from the risks of natural hazards. A one sized fits all approach does not work, and this is why 36 separate local conservation authorities were formed and exist. A regional structure will limit local voices and strain resources over large areas. Conservation boards will become unwieldly in size with the number of member municipalities. If mergers are to occur these should be done at the drinking water protection zone level, which is already a science based approach that is familiar to municipalities. However, this merger has not been called for by conservation authorities, municipalities, or the public. The Provinces move to push a regional structure is not called for and will put undue burdens on municipalities. The provincial conservation agency is able to provide oversight without amalgamation of conservation authorities. Amalgamation should not proceed, instead a regional administrative framework could be included within the new provincial conservation agency that has conservation authorities reporting to regional representatives, while still maintaining local independence. This proposed amalgamation was not called for and has no positive benefit.