I live in the watersheds…

I live in the watersheds overseen by Quinte Conservation and am well aware of the essential work this Conservation Authority and nearby Lower Trent Conservation oversee. The staff members are literally boots on the ground, in the wetlands, and on lakes and rivers. They are knowledgeable and dedicated.

Rather than dealing with "fragmentation" (how do you come to this conclusion?) the proposed consolidation of the 36 conservation authorities into seven will undermine the important knowledge and sense of place for each of these areas. Doing so will jeopardize the safety of Ontarians across the province. I have no doubt that it will be a bureaucratic nightmare.

Through the decades since Hurricane Hazel in the 1950s the system of conservation authorities making up Conservation Ontario has gained respect and served as a model around the world.

Our household regularly spends time in Conservation Areas throughout our area and value the efforts to oversee them. Please reconsider this legislation. Consider it a Christmas present to all Ontarians.