I do not support this…

I do not support this proposed merger. The Province has not provided evidence showing why the merger is needed. The plan notes that a regional approach is required to address inefficiency and streamline permit approvals, but doesn’t provide details on where existing CAs are falling short. I believe issues like inconsistent service or outdated systems can be addressed without restructuring the entire conservation system.

With this proposed plan, local decision-making would be harder to maintain.
For the Hamilton Conservation Authority, Hamilton and Puslinch fund approximately 35% of HCA’s work and have a direct say in watershed decisions. The Province contributes less than 1%. In a 28-municipality organization, our local voice will carry less weight, but municipalities will still be funding the work.

Mergers are expensive, and there’s no funding plan.
Bringing together conservation lands, visitor services, memberships, staff structures, and IT systems would be a major undertaking. The Province has not explained who will pay for these costs or how combining the systems will save money down the line.

Local conservation authorities already provide efficient service. For example, in 2024 the Hamilton Conservation Authority processed 94% of major permits on time, meeting or exceeding provincial expectations. The focus should be on improving resources where needed, not reorganizing authorities that already perform well.

Strong conservation depends on local relationships.
For more than six decades, local conservation authority efforts have been supported by deep, local partnerships with municipalities, community groups, landowners, volunteers, foundations, and Indigenous partners. A larger, more removed agency could erode the local collaboration that makes conservation effective. In Hamilton, the Hamilton Conservation Authority has strong relationships with other local environmental organizations through partnerships like the Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System that promote collaboration and efficiency by coordinating conservation efforts. Breaking these relationships by merging conservation authorities and reshuffling leadership positions would result in an incredible inefficient system that would struggle to achieve its goals due to the breakdown of local collaboration.

Key details remain unknown.
Governance, costs, timing, staffing, land management, branding, and community impact have not been explained, which leaves the potential effects of the merger uncertain.

There are many ways to address concerns with the conservation authority system that would be more effective than this proposal. For example:
- 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.

I hope the province listens to the valid and reasonable concerns of its citizens and does not go forward with this proposal.