I have concerns with Bill…

I have concerns with Bill 108 and Changes to the Conservation Authorities Act (schedule 2).

First off, I would like to acknowledge the value of the on the ground work that Conservation Authorities perform to protect Ontario residents and our natural environment. There is no one else doing what Conservation Authorities do and without them, Ontario would be a less desirable place to live. For example, the Conservation Areas are a true gem and we need more of these areas in the future. Ontario's residents are starved for greenspace.

Conservation Authorities are great value for money. They protect us from flooding hazards, protect Ontario's natural features (wetlands, forests, rivers and other greenspace) and are responsive to local environmental needs in our watersheds.

I would like to note that flood hazard lands cannot be managed if we don’t look back up the watershed and engage in review of proposals that may impact the runoff of water throughout the entire watershed. Activities upstream, such as increased development that removes natural greenspace will have a compounding negative impact downstream (i.e. more flooding, decreased water quality). We need to allow Conservation Authorities to continue to manage hazard lands and protect us from flood risk!

I would also like to touch on the role Conservation Authorities play in protecting our drinking water sources. The quality and quantity of drinking water cannot be managed if Conservation Authorities are not able to protect our surface water and groundwater resources. Their crucial role in source water protection must not be ignored.

I would encourage the province to see the bigger picture; water management is becoming increasingly important and we need the tools and the Conservation Authority Act updated to recognize this and not constrain or limit their role to protect the watershed now and for Ontario's future generation.