I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my serious concerns about the proposal to restructure Ontario’s current Conservation Authority framework into 7 larger regions. I do not feel the Province has provided just reason for this proposal nor is the use of political appointees responsible governance.

Ontario’s Conservation Authorities are internationally recognized for their watershed based natural hazard management. They were created to protect people, land and water through science-based decisions, technical and local expertise and long-term stewardship. For the safety of the residents of Ontario - these are not optional roles. They are essential to flood prevention, watershed health, habitat protection and community well-being.
Eliminating watershed based oversight and knowledge will cause real harm. It is very clear that this change will:
• Strip away local knowledge that is vital to understanding each region’s watershed and the unique landscape and ecosystems it supports.
• Weaken environmental oversight at a time when climate change is intensifying floods, fires, erosion and extreme weather.
• Gives more power to development interests while removing meaningful accountability.
• Erodes decades of scientific research, community partnerships and practical on-the-ground experience.
• Puts people and ecosystems at risk, all for the sake of centralized control.
• Incurs additional, unnecessary costs which will be offloaded onto the taxpayer to cover.

This is not efficiency. This is not reliable legislation. This is eroding one of Ontario's best ideas.
Ontario families rely on Conservation Authorities to safeguard drinking water, reduce disaster risk, protect wildlife and maintain healthy natural systems that support our communities. The proposal undermines that work in a way that is unnecessary and irresponsible.

Ontario deserves transparent and responsible leadership and so I am urging you to take this opposition seriously. As a resident of Owen Sound, ON, I feel as though this is an impactful cutback that will affect my quality of life, revoke my local voice and threaten the natural heritage I value. Please listen to the communities you represent and the experts who understand the importance of the vital role these organizations play in the safety of our Province. Sound collaboration and enabling these organizations to succeed is what the residents of Ontario want and need.

In response to the questions asked:

What do you see as key factors to support a successful transition and outcome of regional conservation authority consolidation?
- appropriate guidance from the Province as to what the expectations are and how the changes are meant to be rolled out. Consistently CAs have endured changes to their legislation, regulations, funding, framework and jobs without any valuable guidance on how to implement the changes. A majority of the time when asked, the Province has no sound input on what the changes mean or how to actually execute them.

What opportunities or benefits may come from a regional conservation authority framework?
- I am unable to think of any positive benefits or opportunities with expanding the jurisdictions of what are supposed to be (and have most successfully been) watershed based frameworks.

Do you have suggestions for how governance could be structured at the regional conservation authority level, including suggestions around board size, make-up and the municipal representative appointment process?
- I would highly suggest ensuring there are representatives on the board whom have experience working within or very closely with Conservation Authorities to maintain the knowledge and expertise that exists within these organizations today. Do not forget the smaller or rural municipalities deserve their voice be heard and to be represented on a board as well.