I do not support the…

I do not support the consolidation of Conservation Authorities.

There is no need to merge the 36 existing Conservation Authorities into 7 larger bodies, they are functioning well and able to focus on their watersheds, as intended. Their mandates for conservation have already been stripped down so much from what they were and could be doing, further merging them and taking that local watershed focus away would be a mistake.

The province can help modernize and update systems without restructuring the entire conservation system, which would achieve the same outcome. Funding for merging would be costlier than doing this, and then we have to face a whole new number of challenges and confusion with the merger that will undoubtedly result in poorer service and protection from CAs.

Municipalities fund the majority of most Conservation Authority work (i.e. 51% of Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority's work). They will continue to fund the work but then have their voices drowned out or discounted in a much larger conservation authority that covers dozens of municipalities. Local voices and needs will be diminished through this merger. Relationships with those municipalities and the local communities are important for conservation! Larger CAs will not be able to maintain those relationships or spend as much time nurturing and leveraging those relationships to fulfil their mandates across all watersheds if a merger takes place.

Conservation Authorities do a good job, they are an important line in protection and enforcement for conservation, development, natural disaster prevention, and monitoring long-term changes so we can co-exist and manage our resources sustainably and effectively. This will not be possible at the same level of resolution if merged into 7 Conservation Authorities across the entirety of southern Ontario.

Here is what could help instead:
• Setting clear, consistent provincial standards and performance indicators across all conservation authorities and holding everyone accountable to them.
• Investing in centralized, shared technology within the current CA structure, including a one-window provincial permitting portal, GIS platforms, regulatory mapping services, standard fees, etc.
• 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.
• Shifting the mandates back to allow for more conservation and research work within CAs.

I do not support this consolidation. It is a mistake. Please reconsider and explore alternatives to creating efficiencies you're seeking with out this enormous and costly merger.