I am concerned that the…

I am concerned that the Ontario Government has cut provincial funding to Conservation Authorities in half for flood monitoring and management. We should do all we can to avoid, or at least lessen, any ill effects from future events.

I am also concerned about the proposed changes to the Conservation Authorities Act. Please ensure that conservation authorities are able to monitor ecosystem health and do restoration projects.

The environment is important to me and Conservation Authorities play an important role in local areas all over Ontario. They understand the local area and can assess and respond quickly to keep this prime land healthy and available for local residents.

We need these waterways and watersheds for health and enjoyment. The environment should be a number one concern. We need a healthy environment to live to our full potential and every action the Government takes should bear this fact in mind. Water management is important and we need the act updated to recognize its importance. The Conservation Authorities need the authority and tools to manage the watersheds and keep them vibrant and healthy, so we residents can live in harmony with the natural areas around us. Perhaps changing "Programs and services related to the risk of natural hazards" to "Programs and services for the protection and management of natural hazards" would better reflect the scope of the work provided by the Conservation Authorities.

Please take into consideration the information coming from the Conservation Authorities as to what they think are the most important aspects of their work. They have a strong knowledge base and we need to listen to them and provide them with the resources and authority they need to keep our water and land healthy. Our survival and optimum existence depends on having access to clean water and food. Nothing is more important to our physical existence. And having wonderful green spaces is very important to our emotional, mental and spiritual existence.