To Whom It May Concern, The…

To Whom It May Concern,
The Municipality of Brighton appreciates the opportunity to provide comments regarding the Province’s proposal to improve the conservation authority system through regional consolidation and updated boundaries under Bill 68, the Plan to Protect Ontario Act. We understand that the Province aims to streamline operations, align conservation authority services with provincial priorities, and strengthen front-line delivery that protects communities. Under the proposed realignment, the Municipality of Brighton is identified as part of the Eastern Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority. Given Brighton’s location along the Lake Ontario shoreline and the environmental features within our boundaries, it is essential that any new regional authority maintain strong local responsiveness and a balanced understanding of watershed-specific conditions. As consolidation proceeds, it is critical that local municipal representation be retained and that opportunities remain for municipalities like Brighton to provide input into programs, permitting, and policy development. Preserving local watershed knowledge—including floodplain mapping, shoreline management, and natural heritage system expertise—is essential for effective decision-making, especially as shoreline erosion, flood risks, and climate impacts continue to increase. To avoid disruptions during the transition to a consolidated authority, we request clear implementation timelines, guidance, and transitional funding support. Municipalities should not face increased costs, delays, or service gaps during restructuring. Maintaining or improving current service levels, especially in areas related to hazard management, emergency coordination, watershed planning, and environmental monitoring, is essential to community safety and long-term resilience. We also request ongoing consultation with municipalities throughout the development and implementation of the new regional model. Continued engagement will help ensure that the new conservation authority framework reflects local needs and supports effective, coordinated watershed management.
Thank you for considering these comments. The Municipality of Brighton looks forward to continued collaboration with the Province.
Sincerely,
Mayor, Brian Ostrander
Municipality of Brighton