While efficiencies and…

While efficiencies and reductions of conflicts are always desirable, my immediate concern is the negative influence of centralized politics overriding local watershed imperatives. The proposed centralized policy oversight could easily address the concerns identified of conflicting policies in the current model. As is somewhat noted in the regional groupings, the watersheds under discussion have unique requirements which I am not sure map fully to the identified regional groupings. One of my concerns is that sufficient autonomy, staffing, and management resource are provided at the local level. My experience is focused around the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, a model which has worked well for many years. While all watersheds share common environmental and development drivers, most have unique variables which, if not addressed can lead to disaster, especially as the environmental changes intensify with climate change.
Given the wording of the request for comment, the regionalization structure is a done deal. Given that 36 separate authorities were deemed to be needed, a significant consolidation to 7 regional areas risks losing local buy in, continued engagement, and identification of unique local needs. Identifying and addressing those specific differences/unique aspects of the existing 36 authorities will be critical to continued environmental success. In effect, the 7 regional groups will need sufficient staffing to provide local knowledge and engagement. A structure mapping somewhat to the authorities and how they interacted with community, business, and government groups will be required. Although the conservation authorities have limited if any visibility from the more centralized city dwellers, the more rural communities, suburbs, and agriculture areas, especially those on or near water ways and drainage areas are very engaged. Continuing this engagement will be critical and require assigned resources and interfaces.
Given the "decided" nature of this proposal, its success lies in community engagement, not just developer, business, and government.