I am writing as a private…

I am writing as a private citizen of Ontario regarding the plan to amalgamate the current 36 distinct conservation areas into seven regional authorities. I am AGAINST this plan, and disagree vehemently with the government’s decision. I am also writing to remind the Ontario government about the importance of biodiversity within the various ecosystems and the vital role conservation authorities play in the protection of these unique watersheds, especially in the prevention of flooding.

I live in Guelph, close to the confluence of the Speed and Eramosa Rivers. They are major tributaries of the Grand River, within the Grand River Conservation Authority. I am fortunate to have spent many enjoyable activities on several properties managed by the GRCA, some directly on waterways, others on lands protected for their biodiversity value, headwaters, aquifers (including Guelph’s source of drinking water), other wetland areas, fields and forests. The Grand River watershed is different from the other 35+ watersheds in Ontario that are uniquely protected within their jurisdictions. By lumping 4 or 5 unique watershed regions into one large entity dilutes the expert knowledge within each region, creating friction and competition for resources, including: money for budgets, human resources, especially conservation officers and researchers, biodiversity management, strategies to mitigate climate change, public engagement, and so much more.

Conservation authorities are experts on their land. They are already too stretched to carry out vital conservation projects including invasive species removal; invasive plants that are collapsing our ecosystem. Once it's gone, there is no rebuilding it.

The so-called cost benefit for consolidation is a spreadsheet exercise, not one rooted in understanding ecology, biodiversity, and conservation in general.

Do not merge these centres.

The Ontario government should be funding appropriate protection for our environment. It has become all too obvious that this current government disrespects the environment, but it's the only one we have and depend on....so protect it anyway.

Unique to Ontario, conservation authorities holistically manage watersheds to prevent flooding, conserve natural areas and safeguard water quality – all benefitting both people and the environment. This work requires local connections to the communities they serve.

However, a series of changes to their mandate, resourcing and independence have made it harder for conservation authorities to fulfill their crucial role. Among these changes is the provincial government’s plans to consolidate Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities into seven sprawling regional authorities that would be overseen by a new centralized provincial agency.

If this amalgamation occurs, it becomes far more likely that critical local knowledge will be excluded from key decisions, leaving communities more exposed to flooding and other environmental harms. With flooding being the costliest natural hazard in Ontario and expected to become an even greater threat in the coming years, this is a trend communities cannot afford.

I urge the provincial government to seriously reconsider this decision. Short-term, knee-jerk decisions like this is not good governance in the long term, and will create more problems than solve them.