To whom this may concern,…

To whom this may concern,

Conservation authorities were created in response to flooding and erosion, based on the understanding that effective watershed management depends on local knowledge and leadership. Unique to Ontario, they play a critical role in supporting sustainable communities and protecting natural systems.

Recent changes have significantly weakened conservation authorities’ mandate, resources, and independence. Most concerning is the proposal to consolidate Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities into just seven under a centralized provincial agency. This risks sidelining vital local expertise and increasing communities’ exposure to flooding and other environmental harms.

I respectfully urge you not to proceed with this consolidation. Instead, please work meaningfully with Indigenous communities, municipalities, and civil society to strengthen conservation authorities and enable them to use their local knowledge to improve flood resilience, protect water, and conserve natural areas.

Thank you for your consideration.