To assume that because the…

To assume that because the different conservation authorities have different rules/procedures is a barrier to construction approvals sidesteps the issue of whether these differences are because of the unique characteristics of the geographic area covered by the conservation authority. There may be instances were differences are valid.

But let's assume for the majority of cases this is not so. Still, what will be lost when a conservation authority now governs a much larger area. With the obvious staff reductions (despite Ford claims to the contrary) expertise specific to a watershed or other natural feature will be lost. It will also be easier for the government to "control" seven rather than the 37 we have today.

I would say better to leave the number of conservation authorities we have, but align and streamline the approval processes so that they are as similar as feasible.