I am a farmer in Eastern…

I am a farmer in Eastern Ontario, and I am writing to share my concerns and my opposition with the proposed consolidation of Conservation Authorities.

From my own experience, Conservation Authorities work best when they are local and closely connected to the land and communities they serve. Decisions related to flooding, drainage, and land use are not abstract, they affect my farm, my livelihood, and my community. These decisions rely on a strong understanding of local conditions which would be lost in much larger, consolidated jurisdictions.

Eastern Ontario covers a wide and varied landscape. Expanding Conservation Authority boundaries would create regions that are too large to reflect local realities. I am concerned that consolidation would lead to slower decision-making and policies that are less practical for the people directly affected within their watershed.

It is also important that farmers continue to have a meaningful voice within Conservation Authorities. Farmers are responsible land stewards and are often directly impacted by Conservation Authority decisions. Consolidation risks weakening agricultural representation and reducing the opportunity for local input when the jurisdiction gets too large.

The existing Conservation Authorities in Eastern Ontario are working well and should remain local and watershed-based. Maintaining the current structure supports informed, practical decision-making and strong working relationships.

For these reasons, I respectfully urge the province to reconsider the proposed consolidation of Conservation Authorities.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide my input on this important issue.