South Nation Conservation says conservation authorities were created by the people, for the people.
SNC officials say they are reviewing a proposal by the Ontario government to amend the conservation authorities act and consolidate the province’s 36 conservation authorities into seven regional bodies overseen by a new provincial agency.
They say the proposal represents the most significant change to Ontario’s environmental management system in 80 years and they have several concerns including that the proposal lacks transparency.
They also note in a post on their website that donor lands and municipal properties must remain locally stewarded, bilingual service obligations must be protected and that restructuring would increase costs and disrupt services.
Under the plan, a St. Lawrence body would be created which would cover watersheds flowing into the St. Lawrence River.
The government counters that the current system is fragmented and the restructuring is needed to improve efficiency.
The proposed plan has been posted for public comment until late next month.
