Conservation Authorities…

Conservation Authorities should be given more powers not less!

We are faced with vagaries of water levels, winds, floods, greenhouse gases and population overload. It is imperative that Ontario protect its wetlands, creeks, rivers, streams and flora and fauna. The Conservation Authorities have been an important service toOntario to highlight those areas that need protecting and be the voice of the environment that is in trouble.

The Feds have a Target 1 of 30% protection of valuable environmental spaces by 2030. This is watersheds, forests, escarpments etc. Ontario should support this target and contribute our fair share by region.

Our natural resources provide numerous ecosystem services to those who live, work and play in the watershed. Maintaining and enhancing these natural resources requires an integrated approach. By dividing CA services into core and non-core, programs will be eliminated and reduced. This makes it much more difficult to ensure nature’s ecosystem services are in place and are resilient to climate change and the impacts of urban growth. CA should have more funding.

Minister - please reconsider dividing programs into core and noncore. Do not jeopardize the preservation and experiences conservation areas, or the work with the stewardship team to restore stream and river banks as well as children’s experiences and education.

Under the new legislation, funding for non-core work could be drastically reduced from current levels. This funding is vital for maintaining conservation areas and allows education staff to develop programs. Stewardship work is currently a net contributor raising funds to restore streams and rivers, improve water quality, maintain tourism and provide habitat in all of municipalities. This is a valuable service and agency we need to provide for our seventh generation survival.