I believe the Province can…

I believe the Province can achieve its objectives through the current structure and boundaries for the 36 conservation authorities of Ontario. The creation of Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency is in itself a duplication of what is already provided by the overseeing MECP and goes counter to Provincial initiatives to eliminate provincial boards.

The current boundaries allow for:
-nimble responses to local environmental problems which has been the hallmark of conservation authority work for decades and particularly with provincial withdrawal in the 1990's.
-local municipal governments to budget and fund environmental work that is of priority to them effiently and effectively.

I would highly recommend that the Province delay enacting boundary changes until meaningful review of options such as policy and regulations be had with conservation authorities.

There are many risks to loss of local expertise and focus with such large regional coverage as well as accountability to local governments. I believe the Province's position "fragmented, with each conservation authority following different policies, standards, fees and levels of staffing and technical capabilities. This has led to unpredictable and inconsistent turnaround times for approvals across all conservation authorities, creating uncertainty and delays for builders, landowners and farmers seeking permits, and undermining conservation authorities’ ability to protect communities from floods and natural hazards" is overblown and isn't any different from provincial ministry districts or municipal governments staffing, policies, and decisions. The proposed boundary changes wouldn't address these perceived concerns of the Province.

Finally, I support the much more fulsome response of Conservation Ontario. The Province must work more collaboratively with the conservation authorities to demonstrate it is truly is committed to a better Ontario.