Conservation authorities…

Conservation authorities were founded to manage watersheds. By their very nature they require localized management and involvement. Lumping them into 7 large conservation authorities removes the local management and erodes local engagement. Many people donate time, money and even land to their local conservation authority.

Municipalities pay for roughly 43% of the cost while the Authorities fundraise approximately 50%. The province contributes a meager 7%. So amalgamation is not being driven by cost at the provincial level obviously.

Amalgamation is being driven by a thirst for building permits ,regardless of public safety or environmental risk. Have we learned nothing after Hurricane Hazel? First it was the Green Belt now it's the coveted natural areas governed by CAs. Home owners will soon realize you can't get insurance on homes built in floodplains or on hazard lands.

If it ain't broke don't fix it. The conservation authority model isn't broken. Leave it alone Premier.