Hello, The Hamilton…

Hello,

The Hamilton Conservation Authority has said it very well - there is insufficient reasoning for this proposed change to go forward. I am concerned about the erosion of local decision making. Municipal funding provides the lion's share of funding for Conservation Authorities, so I am lost as to why the provincial government is involving itself for so-called 'efficiency'. HCA already provides excellent and efficient service. The government's wording of 'efficiency' are vague and unsupported. Mergers are most certainly not financially efficient.

Species at Risk diversity and threats are not equal across Ontario and require local level action. For decades conservation authorities have developed deep, local partnerships with municipalities, community groups, landowners, volunteers, foundations, and Indigenous partners.

Ontario is an enormous and geographically diverse province, it makes little sense to consolidate conservation authorities given this vast range of diverse risks.

I support keeping conservation decisions rooted in our local community.

Instead of merging the entire system, please listen to the experts at HCA and their suggestions for Ontario to achieve better results:

Setting clear, consistent provincial standards across all conservation authorities, and holding everyone accountable to them.

Investing in shared technology, such as the provincial permitting portal, within the current structure.

Providing stable provincial funding to strengthen core programs and modernize operations.

Working directly with municipalities, Indigenous partners, conservation authorities, and residents before making any major changes.

Thank you,
Cara