RE: Proposed Boundaries for…

RE: Proposed Boundaries for the Regional Consolidation of Ontario’s Conservation Authorities (ERO 025-1257)

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed boundaries for regionalizing Ontario’s conservation authorities.

I have been a resident of the Long Point Conservation Authority region for most of my life—raised on Long Point, Ontario; previously living in the St. Thomas area; and now residing in the St. Williams area. I was raised in a family dependent on Lake Erie for both work and recreation, as well as directly affected by its natural impacts on our home property. As a result, I am well aware of the effects water can have on life, shelter, and livelihood.

Through both lived experience and long-term familiarity with the area, I understand the critical role that watershed management, flood mitigation, and local expertise play in protecting our communities and natural environment. The value of region-specific knowledge in these decisions cannot be overstated. This perspective is further supported by my education in biology, ecology, and forestry, as well as over 20 years of experience in wetland science.

Below are my thoughts on your five noted questions:

What do you see as key factors to support a successful transition and outcome of regional conservation authority consolidation?
• I support the comments submitted by my local watershed’s Conservation Authority, the Long Point Region Conservation Authority.
• A key factor for a successful transition is recognizing that each watershed is unique. Ontario’s primary, secondary, and tertiary watersheds differ significantly in ecology, hydrology, and flood behavior. Effective watershed management depends on strong local expertise and on-the-ground decision-making that reflects these differences. Large-scale consolidation risks diluting this local knowledge, which could reduce the effectiveness of flood and water management—especially if ecological and flooding nuances at the tertiary watershed level are not fully considered.
• The proposed consolidation of eight conservation authorities and 81 municipalities in our region is of particular concern. With over 20 years of experience as a marsh scientist in the Great Lakes watershed, I can say with confidence that ecological conditions and management challenges vary widely across this area. Combining such a large and diverse region would likely result in the loss of both knowledge and operational efficiency.
• Rather than large amalgamations, a more effective approach would be to strengthen the existing conservation authority framework by providing better tools and resources to support coordination, information sharing, and collaboration among authorities.
What opportunities or benefits may come from a regional conservation authority framework?
• I support the comments submitted by my local watershed’s Conservation Authority, the Long Point Region Conservation Authority.
• I do not see clear benefits in combining conservation authorities through regional consolidation. However, there are meaningful opportunities in strengthening the existing framework by providing the legal structure, resources, and tools needed for more effective collaboration. This could include investment in shared, centralized technologies within the current CA system, such as a one-window provincial permitting portal, common GIS platforms, regulatory mapping services, and standardized fee structures.

Do you have suggestions for how governance could be structured at the regional conservation authority level, including suggestions around board size, make-up and the municipal representative appointment process?
• I support the comments submitted by my local watershed’s Conservation Authority, the Long Point Region Conservation Authority.
• Locally developed programs are best suited to respond to community needs. A standardized regional governance model risks reducing service levels, local expertise, and accessibility. Rather than restructuring governance at a regional level, a more effective approach would be to establish shared standards, resources, and tools that enable existing Conservation Authorities to collaborate more efficiently while retaining local governance and decision-making.

Do you have suggestions on how to maintain a transparent and consultative budgeting process across member municipalities within a regional conservation authority?
• I support the comments submitted by my local watershed’s Conservation Authority, the Long Point Region Conservation Authority.
• Rather than restructuring the system, transparency and consultation can be improved by establishing clear, consistent provincial standards and performance indicators for all conservation authorities, with accountability for meeting them.
• In addition, stable provincial funding is essential to support core programs and modernize operations, using a funding model that does not disproportionately shift costs onto rural or smaller municipalities with limited tax bases.

How can regional conservation authorities maintain and strengthen relationships with local communities and stakeholders?
• I support the comments submitted by my local watershed’s Conservation Authority, the Long Point Region Conservation Authority.
• Any major changes should be preceded by meaningful engagement with municipalities, Indigenous partners, conservation authorities, and local residents.
• Effective governance depends on maintaining manageable board sizes; combining 81 municipalities would dilute representation and weaken local decision-making. Smaller, locally focused governance structures are more effective.
• Conservation lands, assets, and donations should remain under local stewardship, so decisions continue to reflect community use, care, and long-term environmental responsibility.