I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my support for strong, local watershed-based conservation authority governance. I am also writing to express my disagreement with the changes to the Conservation Authorities Act contained in Bill 68.

The Ford Government’s proposal to consolidate Ontario’s conservation authorities has serious, long-term negative implications for local watershed management.

The changes to the Conservation Authorities Act — (1) the creation of a new agency, the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency and (2) the consolidation of Ontario's 36 Conservation Authorities into 7 large regional authorities (part of Bill 68, "Plan to Protect Ontario Act") — was introduced and passed without any meaningful consultation with stakeholders.

Let’s call the proposed changes to the Conservation Authorities Act what they are: An indecent and self-serving attempt by the Ford government to seize control of local watershed and environmental decisions from conservation authorities and local governments.

If the government wants to make changes to anything, it should start by hitting “Pause” on the notion of consolidating Ontario’s conservation authorities; it should commit to working with the conservation authorities meaningfully and constructively; and it should work responsibly with municipalities, townships, Indigenous communities, and other stakeholders to choose options that improve consistency and efficiency without undermining local decision-making.

If the Ford government insists on following through on its misguided vision for consolidating Ontario’s conservation authorities, it should at least—at a minimum—commit to:

* Reducing the Size of the Proposed Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority to a smaller regional model that could improve efficiency while preserving local knowledge and relationships. 

* Ensuring Local Representation in Governance, not centralized control.  Commit to meaningful local representation that balances rural and urban priorities and interests, so watershed priorities remain community driven. 

* Keeping Conservation Local – Local conservation staff understand the water, land, people, and challenges of the watershed in ways centralized decision-makers cannot. Local expertise is essential for public safety and environmental protection.

* Standing Up for Delivery of Existing Programs and Services that directly support the unique requests and needs of watershed landowners, municipalities, and communities. Such locally developed services must be protected. A regional model risks reduced service levels, loss of expertise and diminished community access for local residents. 

* Supporting (read: Not Changing) Planning and Permitting by conservation authorities that meet or exceed provincial timelines.

* Recognizing the Value of the conservation authorities’ local assets. For example, the UTRCA owns and/or manages more than 5,790 hectares (14,300 acres) of land within the Thames River watershed. Decisions about lands and resources should stay close to the communities that use them and care for them.

* Maintaining the Principles of Integrated Watershed Management – Watershed decisions should be based on science, geography, and local hydrology.

* Listening to Local Communities by considering input from municipalities, landowners, conservation authorities, Indigenous communities, and community groups before any final decision is made.

Thank you,
Concerned Resident
London ON