I am concerned about the…

I am concerned about the provincial government's declining interest and investment in protection, enhancement and responsible management of our natural resources. Since the mid-1990's the province has for the most part deferred this responsibility to others such as local and regional municipalities and to Ontario's Conservation Authorities. These partner organization's have stepped up to fill the gap in innovative, cost-effective ways. Conservation Authorities in particular are now leaders in the field, providing critical science and service to Ontario citizens in order to ensure that our natural public assets are well managed and protected.

Conservation Authorities are a unique entity and a model that has stood the test of time for over 70 years. They are a local presence; boots on the ground; no one else fills this role. Conservation Authorities provide good value for money. They are flexible and responsive to local environmental needs in watersheds across the province.

My request to the government of Ontario is that you seek and listen to the advise offered by the leaders of Ontario's Conservation Authorities and plan the way forward based on their knowledge of the issues and understanding of the solutions. Please don't cripple the critical work of these professionals. Natural systems are complex and inter-linked, inter-dependent. You can't dice it up and restrict focus to one system or discipline without compromising the whole. If you do, costs down the road will greatly surpass costs in the near term. I urge you be a real leader; consult, listen, and make good decisions for the future.

Here are my comments specific to the Act:

1. Change the terminology from Programs and services related to the risk of natural hazards to programs and services for the protection and management of natural hazards. The proposed wording in the Act is too vague as to provide guidance as to the intent.

2. Restoration activities (tree planting, wetland restoration, forest management) and monitoring of watershed health have been long standing activities that have ensured that the impacts of land use change on hazards have been minimized. They should be included in the core mandate.

3. The Province should include an additional mandatory program area of “conservation of natural resources” that includes the following:

o inventory and monitoring,
o tree planting and forest management,
o natural heritage systems planning,
o habitat restoration and creation,
o invasive species management and
o stewardship/ outreach activities.

4. I am pleased that the province recognizes the value of the land holdings of Conservation Authorities to the people of Ontario

5. Conservation Areas are regional destinations like Ontario Parks providing all the same environmental and health benefits. There needs to be continued investment in facilities and land to allow for more visitors and better experiences.

6. The regulations must allow for a wide range of programs and services on conservation lands to ensure that they continue to provide the functions they were intended for (be it recreation or natural heritage protection). This includes:

o Land planning (management plans)
o Land securement and acquisition
o Conservation area operations and management
o Property Management (maintenance, management agreements)
o Facilities maintenance and capital works
o Hazard assessments (hazard trees, weather, trail inspections)
o Inspection and Enforcement (risk and liability)