I am highly concerned about…

I am highly concerned about the proposed merger of clusters of Conservation Authorities and I hope very much that it does not go ahead. I am a frequent recreational user of Conservation Areas in the Kingston region. I am also very aware of the important role Conservation Authorities play in monitoring and regulating water levels and other matters of public safety.

Environment minister McCarthy has said that conservation authorities as currently constituted have been slowing down development approvals. I think it is very important that proper analysis and consultation be done before development proceeds -- after all, it cannot be undone, and some proposals could have very deleterious effects on local or downstream communities. And proper analysis also requires consultation and education with local communities in the particular local contexts.

Furthermore, I want to note that my Conservation Authority, the CRCA, has created a huge amount to the education and physical and mental health of the people in its catchment by the programming, signage, and support it offers to school groups, community groups, and individuals. LeMoine Point and Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Areas are heavily used and much appreciated resources in our city, as was especially evident during the covid-19 pandemic. They are close to urban areas and yet offer respite and opportunity for exercise... they are really a safety valve for many of us, and I do not trust that consolidation of operations will indeed preserve the attention paid to particular sites. The government claims that there will be no reduction in staff, but if this is so, how will the change even save money? I find myself unconvinced.

Please keep our Conservation Authorities intact and local. We fund them via our municipal taxes, and we want to continue the strong connection with local residents and spaces, which need not preclude the continuation or even growth of collaboration across the different CAs.