The history of Ontario's CAs…

The history of Ontario's CAs is documented in A. H. Richardson's book titled: Conservation BY the People. It shows how, more than 100 years ago, concerned citizens recognized the importance of preserving wetlands and forests and protecting watersheds. When the province passed the Conservation Authorities act, it was directly because of those grassroots efforts. In some areas it took decades before municipalities voted to form their own local CAs, but when they did, they embraced the work with enthusiasm. Despite decades of underfunding and inconsistent direction from the Province, CAs thrived. Now the Province believes that CAs are some kind of minor department that can be rearranged at will?! Authorities belong to the people of their watersheds and the people say NO! I say NO! For two generations, members of my family have been CA donors, volunteers, committee members, and sometimes staff members. This month alone I have donated $11000.00 to two Conservation Foundations, visited five different conservation areas, attended two public CA events, and volunteered 20 hours of my time to conservation work. My support, and that of other stakeholders, is because of the relationships we have developed, our belief in watershed action, and the confidence we have in local decision making.

Where is the evidence that amalgamation will create efficiencies and reduce administrative costs? That certainly wasn't the case when school boards and municipalities were forced together.

The public has embraced "Shop locally. Act locally". CAs ARE local and need to stay that way.