We urge the government not…

We urge the government not to proceed with the amalgamation of Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities into 7 regional conservation authorities. Conservation authorities should be supported meaningfully & empowered to do their jobs efficiently and effectively.

 Conservation authorities were established in 1954 as a direct response to rising concerns about flooding and erosion. Central to their establishment was the recognition that conservation authorities must embody local needs and be led by local voices. Presently, flooding is the costliest natural hazard in Ontario and is expected to become an even greater threat in the coming years. The proposed amalgamation would concentrate decision-making power in the hands of the province rather than local experts. Decision-makers would be far less connected to the communities they are serving; consequently, it becomes far more likely that important local knowledge will be excluded from key decisions, leaving communities exposed to flooding and broader environmental losses.
 There is no indication that amalgamation would lead to more housing being built.
 The process for proposing amalgamation lacks transparency. The Environmental Registry does not mention the legislative changes proposed in Bill 68 to enable the amalgamation. This means that there is no clear pathway for public consultation on these changes. This omission undermines the Environmental Bill of Rights, which exists to ensure that all people in Ontario have opportunities to comment on decisions affecting the natural Environment.