I think this amalgamation of…

I think this amalgamation of distinct and geographically different [not to mention that they are in different watersheds] is a very misdirected concept. It is hard to believe that policies and directions for distinct areas with different ecosystems and priorities can be 'one size fits all'' with this consolidation.
Another factor that will disappear will be the founding concept that CAs were to be governed locally and not bunched together over vast tracts of land. Has anyone realized that it is 5 hrs between North Bay and both Timmins and SSMarie? As for flood mgmt, North Bay is experiencing flood issues in spring breakup when major weather causes snow melt and rain events. In Timmins, flooding is compounded by having the watershed flow northerly. these situations are vastly different.
While it was likely an easier fit to consolidate School boards [schools and kids are universal whether in Cochrane or Windsor], it is not the same ballgame for CAs where there are ecologically different zones, different watersheds, different local issues, geographically separated municipalities/Councils and unique residents and local service needs.
It is bad enough that decisions made in Queens Park that are best for the south also apply to the North - that is not beset with the same issues but must bow to centralized gov't.