Please accept the below as…

Please accept the below as our submission to the government’s request for feedback on proposed boundaries and criteria for the regional consolidation of Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities (CA), and proposed changes to improve the conservation authority system to free up resources for front-line service delivery to help protect communities and better align the work of CAs with provincial priorities. This feedback is being submitted on behalf of OHBA and its 28 local associations including but not limited to the Building and Land Development Association (BILD), West End Home Builders’ Association (WE HBA), Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GO HBA) and London Home Builders’ Association (LHBA).

Feedback received from OHBA members reflects a wide range of perspectives on the proposed consolidation. While some members support consolidation as a pathway to improved consistency and efficiency, others raise concerns about governance, accountability, local responsiveness, and the potential for unintended consequences. Importantly, many submissions focused less on boundary changes themselves and more on broader operational, procedural, and legislative issues affecting conservation authority performance.

This submission is intended to accurately reflect that diversity of views while identifying areas of alignment, key risks, and constructive considerations that the Province should weigh as it advances reforms to Ontario’s conservation authority framework.