We see the following as key…

We see the following as key factors to support a successful transition and outcome of regional conservation authority consolidation:
1- A strong, inclusive governance structure that will ensure fair municipal representation across all watershed regions, prevent dominance by large municipalities at the expense of smaller ones, and maintain local advisory committees to preserve watershed-specific knowledge. Without inclusive governance, regional CAs risk losing local knowledge and community trust, weakening both environmental outcomes and service delivery.
2- Protection of local watershed knowledge and relationships. It is essential that local service offices remain in place to retain existing expertise and avoid any loss of technical capability with the staff transitions. Watershed management is highly dependent on local flood risk history, soil types, and landowner relationships that vary significantly across Ontario.
3- Continuity of the essential services, like review and permitting services, without delays during the transition period.
4- Consistent standards and policies based on science to eliminate differences in guidance and review provided by regional CAs.
5- Effective engagement by the public, Municipal representatives and representatives from Coastal/Environmental Engineering Firms prior to finalizing the proposed consolidation boundaries and legislative amendment.

We recommend that the Board should consist of approximately 15–20 members, depending on the size and complexity of the region, which is large enough to represent multiple municipalities, the Indigenous population, and provincial members, and small enough to remain functional and avoid slow decision making. We further recommend that the composition of Board consist of 12 - 15 municipally elected officials with watershed planning training, 1 - 2 Indigenous representatives, 1 - 2 Provincial members, and 3-4 technical experts and/or public seats.

We recommend the following to maintain a transparent and consultative budgeting process:
1- Establish a formal, annual multi-stage budget consultation cycle
2- Create a Municipal Budget Advisory Committee
3- Publish a detailed budget workbook
4- Implement multi-year budgeting (3–5 years)
5- Use transparent communication tools
6- Provide a clear dispute resolution process

To maintain and strengthen relationships with local communities and stakeholders, we recommend the following:
1- Maintain local service offices where practical to ensure each regional Conservation Authority has technical staff who have knowledge of local watersheds, development patterns, and hazards and to retain easy access to familiar staff who understand local issues for the public.
2- Create sub-watershed advisory teams from previous local service offices to cover major river systems or geographic areas within the region.
3- Establish an effective partnership system with the Indigenous representatives.
4- Provide continuous engagement during planning and decision making, so communities feel informed and involved in shaping decisions.
5- Strengthen communication and transparency, so people understand what the CA is doing and why it matters to their community.
6- Ensure local staff have decision making authority. Faster response times and less bureaucracy will reinforce trust with landowners and municipalities.

In summary, we recommend that the regional Conservation Authorities maintain local service offices with local staff, who are experts in their areas, to preserve watershed specific knowledge, with these local staff having decision making power. As Coastal Engineers, we depend on being able to discuss solutions and unique designs with the local staff who are experts in our area.

We also recommend that the Ministry engage directly with affected municipalities, conservation authorities, and coastal engineering firms prior to finalizing the proposed boundaries and legislative amendments.