Whereas the Ministry of the…

Whereas the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has posted Environmental Registry Notice No. 025-1257 proposing the consolidation of Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities into seven regional entities, including the creation of a new “Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority”, with the consultation period for the proposal ending on December 22, 2025; and
Whereas the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) Board of Directors has adopted a formal resolution outlining significant concerns with the proposed “Lake Erie Region” boundary configuration, citing issues related to geographic coherence, local accountability, transition costs, service continuity, and the unique hydrological and environmental characteristics of the Essex Region; and
Whereas the Town of Essex places a high priority on effective watershed management, timely permitting, coordinated hazard mitigation, and the protection of local residents and property from flooding, sheet flooding, shoreline erosion, and other natural hazards; and
Whereas it is essential that municipalities understand the potential impacts of the proposed restructuring on front-line services, local permitting, environmental protection, and long-term watershed planning in our region.
Now Therefore, be it Resolved That Council direct Administration to prepare and send a letter to the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) expressing the Town of Essex’s support for the ERCA Board’s position regarding the proposed Conservation Authority consolidation as outlined in Environmental Registry Notice 025-1257 and that this resolution be circulated to ERCA member municipalities for their information; and
That Council direct the Town’s Clerk to submit the Town’s comments to the Province's consultation portal for Environmental Registry Notice 025-1257 by December 22, 2025.