Conservation Authorities are…

Conservation Authorities are one of the only boots-on-the-ground agencies working directly with municipalities, residents, and stakeholders in a timely and meaningful way; with international recognition for their approach to integrated watershed management.

Strengths in the Conservation Authority service delivery model include:

• The ability to streamline approvals from several agencies and work directly with applicants through site visits and pre-consultations.
• Local knowledge and expertise as assets to communities and the environment.
• An effective and efficient approach to reduce red tape for development.

I encourage the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to consider the value in existing approaches by Conservation Authorities which work closely with municipalities to deliver local permit approvals for development to protect people and property.