"The current system of 36…

"The current system of 36 separate conservation authorities is fragmented, with each conservation authority following different policies, standards, fees and levels of staffing and technical capabilities. This has led to unpredictable and inconsistent turnaround times for approvals across all conservation authorities, creating uncertainty and delays for builders, landowners and farmers seeking permits, and undermining conservation authorities’ ability to protect communities from floods and natural hazards."

1. Is there research that supports the claims that differing policies undermine conservation authories' ability to protect communities?
2. How many farmers sought land permits compared with builders looking for approvals on both prime farm land and environmentally protected areas?
3. Considering the varying environmental systems across the province, would different policies and procedures be required to maintain differing systems needs?

Further, reviewing the borders, from experience, the environmental needs of Niagara are vastly different from Toronto. Yet, the proposed legislation lumps them under one authority. How would this be beneficial to either region?

If Indigenous knowledge has sought to teach settlers anything, it is that knowing the land is vital to its environmental health. Taking land-specific knowledge out of the hands of conservation authorities will come at the detriment to all. This includes farmers, land owners, environmentally-sensitive areas, and businesses. For example, how would someone with knowledge of the Niagara watershed claim to know how the same systems work in Toronto considering they are vastly different?

All in all, this is a terrible idea. Cut costs elsewhere.