Comment
I am writing to you today to voice my concerns regarding the provincial government’s plan to shrink the 36 conservation authorities to just 7. I believe this demonstrates a lack of environmental conservancy and short-sightedness for the future of Ontario.
The proposed plan will jeopardize Ontario's precious natural habitats and resources by replacing highly experienced watershed experts with political appointees who have little to no experience in managing flood plains, protecting our water and wetlands.
"The proposed legislation will allow developers to by-pass CAs and get permits to develop in wetlands, floodplains and forests directly from the provincial government. It also provides fast track by-pass for developers of CAs’ science-based permitting process. This change is being pushed through even though CAs almost always work with developers to make their projects successful. For example, Conservation Halton has denied only one permit in the last four years and 1000 have been issued ... The government’s proposed changes are gifts to developers at our expense. They will also remove the ability of CAs to buy land that should not be developed at fair market value in areas of extreme risk (like the valley lands flooded by Hurricane Hazel)."
https://environmentaldefence.ca/2020/11/26/respond-form-letters-sent-on…
" The government ignored a chorus of expert warnings by incapacitating the Conservation Authorities that have long guarded Ontarians against environmental disasters. Tens of thousands of Ontarians of all political stripes and walks of life, together with environmentalists, farmers, towns and regulators warned the government of the dire consequences of weakening the vital role of Conservation Authorities."
https://ontarionature.org/campaigns/conservation-authorities/
Submitted December 22, 2025 6:36 PM
Comment on
Proposed boundaries for the regional consolidation of Ontario’s conservation authorities
ERO number
025-1257
Comment ID
178819
Commenting on behalf of
Comment status