The Historic Saugeen Métis …

The Historic Saugeen Métis (HSM) strongly opposes the proposed changes to Ontario’s Conservation Authorities. The HSM community is deeply concerned that the proposed changes will have negative impacts on the community and the environment that we all rely on.

The Historic Saugeen Métis are among the Indigenous peoples who have lived in, cared for, and relied on the traditional Saugeen territory for generations. It is the responsibility of the HSM Council to ensure a sustainable environment for current and future Métis families asserting Section 35, Canada Constitution Act (1982) aboriginal rights in the traditional Métis Saugeen Territory.

HSM’s Department of Lands, Waters, and Consultation engages on a regular basis with the municipalities, counties, and Conservation Authorities within the region. The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority, Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, and Maitland Valley Conservation Authority all play important roles in hazard management, public safety, and conservation based on local watershed knowledge within the traditional Saugeen territory.

In our rural area, it is essential that decision making remains at the level of our local Conservation Authorities to maintain rapid response capability, local knowledge, relationships, trust, and local investment. HSM supports the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA)’s assertion that Ontario’s housing goals can be met while preserving stability and trust in Conservation Authorities by building on the strengths of the existing Conservation Authorities, rather than moving forward with consolidation. The recommendations outlined by the SVCA are also supported by HSM (https://www.saugeenconservation.ca/en/news/svca-2025-ero-comment.aspx).