The proposed Lake Erie…

The proposed Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority — covering 8 conservation authorities and 81 municipalities — is much too large to remain responsive and effective. The Province should consider smaller, more focused regional models that improve efficiency while preserving local knowledge and relationships.
The UTRCA was created in 1947 as a partnership between member municipalities to use local knowledge and expertise to make decisions regarding the management of the watershed’s natural resources. The 17 watershed municipalities appoint a board of 15 members who determine the programs and services the UTRCA provides to watershed communities. A single board representing 81 municipalities will dilute local voices. The governance model must ensure meaningful local representation that balances rural and urban priorities and interests, so watershed priorities remain community driven.
Local conservation staff and offices understand the water, land, people, and challenges of the Upper Thames River watershed in ways centralized decision-makers cannot. Decisions made from afar will not reflect the area’s unique environmental, agricultural, and community needs. Local expertise is essential for public safety, environmental protection, and the delivery of effective community services.
The UTRCA delivers programs that directly support the unique requests and needs of watershed landowners, municipalities, and communities. Our residents value our species-at-risk initiatives (turtles and fish), environmental education for students, specialized technical advice, and outdoor recreation—but these are just some of the programs that may be lost under a centralized, standardized regional model. These locally developed services must be protected. A regional model may lead to reduced service levels, loss of expertise, or diminished community access for local residents.
The UTRCA owns and/or manages more than 5,790 hectares (14,300 acres) of land within the watershed. Decisions about lands and resources should stay close to the communities that use and care for them. Watershed decisions should be based on science, geography, and local hydrology, not overly large administrative boundaries.
The Province should carefully consider input from municipalities, landowners, conservation authorities, Indigenous communities, and community groups before any final decision is made.
Thank you.