I am submitting this comment…

I am submitting this comment in response to the proposed boundaries for the regional consolidation of Ontario’s conservation authorities (CAs). While I recognize the importance of improving service consistency and efficiency across the system, I firmly believe that consolidation must not come at the expense of crucial environmental protection, local accountability, or public safety.

I am concerned that the plan to reduce 36 CAs to seven and introduce a new provincial oversight agency will create more bureaucracy rather than cut red tape. I also note that many existing CAs already operate efficiently—some, such as Conservation Sudbury, are meeting or even exceeding permit turnaround targets on average.

I want to stress that effective conservation requires local relevance and local capacity. These large-scale changes risk losing vital grassroots knowledge and the necessary local presence. The scientific and technical work of conservation requires “boots on the ground”; it cannot be done remotely. I also agree that CA boundaries are appropriately defined by science and nature, based on watersheds. I have serious questions about how local accountability—currently upheld by municipal-appointed boards—will be maintained under a larger, more centralized governance structure.

Finally, given the significant implications these changes hold for flood protection and public safety, I find it unacceptable that the Minister cannot commit to ensuring this legislation undergoes full public scrutiny through committee hearings. Circumventing public input on matters that affect our lives, property, and infrastructure is inappropriate and risky. Efficiency must never be prioritized over comprehensive environmental safeguards and transparent governance.