I do not support the…

I do not support the proposed merger and creation of the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency. The proposed merger will take local decision-making out of the hands of people who work directly with these areas. For example, Hamilton and Puslinch currently fund approximately 35% of the work done by the Hamilton Conservation Authority, while the province contributes less than 1%. In a 28-municipality organization, these local voices will carry less weight while still relying on municipalities to fund the on-the-ground work that is being done.

Second, the province has not explained how the additional costs associated with the merger will be funded. In order to bring together these lands, visitor services, memberships, staff structures, IT systems, and the associated mapping work, there will be significant overhead cost, and the province has no plan in place for how any of this will "save money" down the line.

Third, my local conservation authority already provides excellent service. I pay for an annual membership because of the excellent work they do at maintaining the trails, doing restoration work, permitting, advertising, and being stewards of the land. They are already meeting or exceeding provincial expectations. If it isn't broken, why are you trying to "fix it"?

These conservation authorities have long-established partnerships with municipalities, community groups, landowners, volunteers, foundations, and Indigenous partners, and it's likely that a larger, more removed and less local agency would erode that, making them less effective.

In summary, the province has not established that this merger is needed or is necessary. If there are issues with inconsistent service or outdated systems, then setting clear, consistent provincial standards across all conservation authorities, investing in shared technology (such as the provincial permitting portal), providing stable provincial funding to strengthen core programs and modernize operations, and working directly with municipalities, Conservation Authorities, and residents before making major changes would all help to address any issues.

I am concerned about losing local decision-making and I support keeping conservation decisions rooted in our community.