Let’s call the consolidation of conservation authorities what it really is… another step in the Doug Ford government’s dismantling of conservation rules/regulations and efforts to safely guard our water and land management and species conservation. It started with the firing and removal of Ontario’s Environmental Commissioner early in his first mandate. Take a moment to comment on your thoughts and concerns … it matters.

From the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority:

At its November meeting, the UTRCA Board of Directors received a staff report and presentation about the Province’s proposal to consolidate Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities into 7 large regional authorities.

The Board members discussed potential impacts on the programs and services that the UTRCA provides to their municipal residents. A key concern is the importance of maintaining local Board representation that balances both rural and urban priorities and interests.

The Board strongly encourages our watershed municipalities, First Nations, partners, and other interest-holders to carefully evaluate the Province’s proposal to consolidate conservation authorities. Comments can be made at: https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/025-1257

Read more in the Thames River Current article, including the motion passed at the November Board meeting: https://thamesriver.on.ca/utrca-board-responds-to-bill-68/