I do not support the…

I do not support the proposed merger and creation of the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency. The proposed merger will take local decision-making away from people who work directly with these areas and have invaluable local knowledge and expertise.

The province has also not explained how the additional costs associated with the merger will be funded. To bring together these lands, visitor services, memberships, staff structures, IT systems, and the related mapping work will entail high overhead costs, and the province has no plan in place for how any of this will "save money" down the line.

These conservation authorities have long-established partnerships with municipalities, community groups, landowners, volunteers, foundations, and Indigenous partners. A larger, more removed, and less local agency would disrupt and deteriorate those partnerships, making them less effective.

In summary, the province has not established that this merger is needed or necessary. If there are issues with inconsistent service or outdated systems, then setting clear, consistent provincial standards across all conservation authorities, investing in shared technology (such as the provincial permitting portal), providing stable provincial funding to strengthen core programs and modernize operations, and working directly with municipalities, Conservation Authorities, and residents before making significant changes would all help to address any issues.

I am concerned about weakening local governance and the diversion of resources from frontline watershed programs. I support keeping conservation decisions rooted in our community.