Dear people: After studying…

Dear people:
After studying your website & related material, I wish to register my strong opposition to the amalgamation of Conservation Authorities.
I note that you ask for feedback on how to make the transition successful but, to my knowledge, you have not asked if amalgamation is a good idea. It is not.
The current structure of decentralized Conservation Authorities allows for local knowledge, expertise, input, and relationships, all of which are critical to watershed management and protecting communities from natural disasters, including flooding and drought. Consolidated boards disadvantage the very things needed for the Conservation Authorities to operate, and make it impossible for them to fulfill their mandates. Furthermore, a centralized system undercuts local oversight and reduces local and municipal input in critical decisions.
The problems you outline do suggest the need for reform. Such reform, however, cannot be accomplished through centralization and amalgamation. Issues of fragmentation of policies, standards, and fees can be addressed through conscientious review – and some of these differences reflect different needs, geographically. Differences in staffing and technical expertise require increased resources. I see neither possibility in your proposal for greater Provincial control over local and municipal issues. Rather, I think your "solutions" will create bigger problems, poorer oversight, and a loss of critical and meaningful local input. Your "solution" not only does not address the problems you raise, it considerably worsens these issues and creates bigger, more intractable problems.
Please withdraw this misguided proposal.
Thank you.