I do not agree with the…

I do not agree with the proposed consolidation of conservation authorities. As it stands, each CA is using science based expertise and knowledge that is tailored to the local community and watershed. By amalgamating them, we take away from the personalized solutions by taking a one size fits all approach. The landscape across southern Ontario is so variable and having local experts is vital to ensuring our limited and fragmented natural spaces stay as healthy as possible.

Furthermore, the reason for doing this seems flawed and inaccurate. Currently conservation authorities hold little to no power in holding up or stopping development. Conservation authorities can comment on proposed development, especially near riparian areas, but do not have the power to stop development. If anything, conservation authorities should have more power in this regard as their main focus is flood prevention, erosion control and the conservation of natural features for the local community. If the provincial government had their way, houses would be shoved in everywhere and no natural features would exist in southern Ontario.

The real reason for this seems to be to help big business without a care for normal, everyday people. As a person who works with private landowners I know this is not what people want. People want a healthy, thriving environment for future generations. Doug Fords government is delusional if they think people can not see this for what it really is. Greed and helping his rich friends is not what Ontario needs. We need more money and man power in conservation not less.