Conservation Authorities …

Conservation Authorities (CAs) are most effective when decisions are made locally and informed by on-the-ground knowledge of soils, drainage, flood risk, and land use. Watershed-based boundaries are grounded in science and should be preserved to ensure safe, sustainable development.

In Eastern Ontario, CAs provide timely planning reviews and permitting that support housing and infrastructure while protecting communities from natural hazards. Rural communities, in particular, require strong local representation, and large regional systems risk marginalizing rural voices and weakening accountability.

Conservation lands were built through local partnerships or donated in trust and should remain locally stewarded.

Modernization can occur without dismantling local governance. If amalgamations are pursued, aligning CAs with existing source protection regions offers a practical, science-based option that allows for consolidation on a smaller scale while preserving local knowledge, accountability, and effectiveness. Any amalgamations should be fully funded.

Conservation Authorities’ collaborative, watershed-based model with municipalities, residents, farmers, and Indigenous communities should be strengthened, not weakened.