ERO-025-1257 Conservation…

ERO-025-1257 Conservation Authorities Act, proposed boundaries.

I have lived within the South Nation watershed for 34 years. I like the professionalism and responsiveness of staff at the South Nation Conservation (SNC) Authority. It is clear to me that municipal staff and councillors of Prescott-Russell county and its 8 local municipalities all have confidence in the ability of SNC Authority staff to manage a range of environmental issues in the region. SNC staff's local expertise and obvious engagement with local organizations and challenges is appreciated; I have never heard it questioned.

The proposed consolidation of conservation authorities will wreck these relationships and cause expensive disruptions. I see no benefit. There is no promise or budget for more resources for frontline conservation.

Regarding the 5 questions posed for discussion:

What do you see as key factors to support a successful transition and outcome of regional conservation authority consolidation? MUCH MORE TIME FOR MUNICIPALITIES AND EXISTING CA's to PLAN THE NEW FUNDING RELATIONSHIPS, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

What opportunities or benefits may come from a regional conservation authority framework? NONE
Do you have suggestions for how governance could be structured at the regional conservation authority level, including suggestions around board size, make-up and the municipal representative appointment process? NO
Do you have suggestions on how to maintain a transparent and consultative budgeting process across member municipalities within a regional conservation authority? NO

How can regional conservation authorities maintain and strengthen relationships with local communities and stakeholders? THEY CAN'T. IT WOULD BE LESS BAD IF THE REGIONAL CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES ARE SMALLER, i.e. BY COMBINING JUST 2 OR 3 EXISTING CA'S IN EACH NEW REGIONAL CA.