I am President of the…

I am President of the Southampton Residents Association, a volunteer association of approximately 350 families who rent or own property in Southampton, Ontario (Municipality of Saugeen Shores). Our mission is to protect and enhance our unique and historic lakeside town of Southampton by encouraging sustainable development and community engagement.

The Conservation Authority provisions of Bill 23 - More Homes Built Faster Act will strip needed authority to regulate land use in environmental hazard and flood prone areas. They overrule legitimate public participation and protection. We view the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority as a valued partner in advising Bruce County, Saugeen Shores and property owners. I am not aware of any of the abuses cited in official communications about Bill 23. If there are abuses by some conservation authorities they can be handled with precision, without destroying a needed and valuable asset for the entire province.

Further, Bill 23 has no provision for periodically evaluating its effectiveness at achieving its stated goals. This is a serious omission and it should be a required component of legislative oversight.

Thank you.