I live in Stratford, Ontario…

I live in Stratford, Ontario and I'm very concerned about the proposed changes to the structure of Conservation Authorities. Please consider the following amendments:

1. Reduce the Size of the Proposed Region. The proposed Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority — covering 8 conservation authorities and 81 municipalities — is much too large to remain responsive and effective. Smaller, more focused regional models will improve efficiency while preserving local knowledge and relationships.

2. Ensure Local Representation in Governance. 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.

3. Keep Conservation Local. 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.

4. Protect Existing Programs and 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.

5. Support Efficient Planning and Permitting. UTRCA provides timely responses and approvals that meet or exceed provincial timelines. In 2024, 99% of permit applications were completed within the provincial guidelines. Regionalizing permitting must not create delays, bottlenecks, or reduced access to technical expertise.

6. Ensure Fair and Transparent Funding. A regional funding model must be fair to rural municipalities and avoid cost shifts that disadvantage small communities. Member municipalities contribute 34% of the UTRCA’s operating budget through levies and cost-sharing agreements, 34% is self-generated through user fees and donations, and 30% is obtained through applications to foundations and other levels of government to leverage municipal contributions and provide more robust programs to watershed residents. The provincial contributions represent just 2% of the UTRCA’s operating budget. Decisions about our lands and resources should stay close to the communities that use and care for them.

7. Maintain the Principles of Integrated Watershed Management. Watershed decisions should be based on science, geography, and local hydrology, not overly large administrative boundaries.

8. Listen to Local Communities. Please carefully consider input from municipalities, landowners, conservation authorities, Indigenous communities, and community groups before any final decision is made.