I am writing in opposition…

I am writing in opposition to the proposal to merge conservation authorities based on my eight years of experience as a member of the Board of the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority.

The real issue appears to be land-use and development decision-making. Conservation authorities have long integrated land-use planning with hazard management at the watershed level, with an overall view to ecosystem health. Yet, during my eight years as a Board member I heard developers complain that conservation authorities are merely a regulatory obstacle. The Province recently responded to these complaints by narrowing the conservation authorities’ mandates and imposing prescriptive timelines on permitting. This proposal seems to be designed simply to take decision-making away from local authorities. And it is doing so without adequate evidence that amalgamation will lead to improved efficiency or any other benefit to the eco-system or the people of Ontario.

One example of the importance of local management is the Thames River Phosphorous Reduction Program, which promotes best management practices to reduce phosphorus run-off from agricultural fields. This program works with farmers to encourage cover crops, erosion control, tree planting and other projects that improve both water quality and soil health. Its success is largely because conservation authority staff knew the landowners, listened to their concerns, and developed policies with them. Under the Provincial proposal, conservation authorities would be consolidated into a small number of regional organizations, and this local connection would cease to exist. These voices, and those of many municipalities, will be lost for no real gain to anyone except possibly some developers.

The current proposal to merge conservation authorities is misguided. It is a fundamental restructuring of the watershed-based governance model in response to a few complaints that will have long-term negative impacts on municipalities, the watershed, and the management of the conservation authority. Going back to the drawing board with a more thoughtful and collaborative approach is needed if the goal truly is to increase efficiency and strengthen safeguards against flooding.