I strongly oppose the…

I strongly oppose the proposal to consolidate Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities into 7 regional bodies. While efficiency is important, this plan risks undermining the very purpose of conservation authorities: protecting local watersheds with local knowledge.

• Loss of local expertise: Smaller conservation authorities like South Nation Conservation have decades of experience with the unique challenges of their watersheds. Merging them into large regional bodies will dilute this expertise and reduce responsiveness to local issues.

• Impact on rural property owners: For residents building or maintaining homes in rural areas, conservation authorities provide essential guidance on floodplains, wetlands, and erosion risks. Centralizing these services could lead to longer wait times, higher fees, and less tailored advice.

• Reduced community input: Local boards and staff are accountable to their communities. Consolidation will distance decision-making from the people most affected, weakening transparency and trust.

• Environmental risks: Ontario’s watersheds are diverse. A one-size-fits-all approach may overlook critical local conditions, increasing the risk of flooding, habitat loss, and water quality issues.

This proposal prioritizes administrative streamlining over environmental protection and community service. I urge the government to maintain the current structure of conservation authorities, strengthen their funding, and respect the value of local governance.