The current governance model…

The current governance model that supports integrated water management across a watershed and a collaborative approach with local governments is one of the most successful and important features of Conservation Authorities. The current model allows local decision making on what is important to local residents and businesses, while prioritizing flood protection and prevention as well as drinking water protection. The proposed changes that will define core and non-core activities are not consistent with this flexible and broad approach. Furthermore, requiring separate agreements with each government for “non-core” activities will add red tape and bureaucracy. The costs of this will be prohibitive for smaller CA’s and will divert resources from much more important activities.

Further clarity is also required on continued provincial funding and technical support for drinking water source protection - a critical function. In Bill 108, there is the implication that these costs may be downloaded in part or full to local municipalities. We have a recent tragic example of underfunding this critical service in Walkerton.

I enjoy the services of the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority. They have the full support of the local governments they work with. They manage extensive lands and many residents and tourists benefit from their stewardship. In fact, they contribute to local economic development in the area by providing lands for recreation. Reducing and limiting the role of CA’s is not supportive of local decision making or local priorities.