A conservation authority covering Huron, Perth, and Wellington counties is voicing concerns over plans for a province-wide amalgamation.
Ontario plans to consolidate its 36 conservation authorities into nine across the province, with the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) joining five other conservation groups from around Ontario.
Environment Minister Todd McCarthy says the consolidation will be completed next year, and does not expected any job losses.
The six conservation authorities included with the MVCA would form the Lake Huron Regional Conservation Authority.
In a news release, the MVCA listed numerous concerns about the amalgamation, including:
- Lack of Business Case
- No Evidence of Improved Efficiency or Effectiveness
- Risks to Natural Hazard Management
- Threats to Watershed-Based Conservation
- Loss of Local Representation
- Call for Reinvestment
“MVCA strongly believes that watershed-based governance, supported by adequate provincial investment, remains the most effective approach to conserving local natural resources and managing natural hazards,” the release says.
“This new regional Conservation Authority will encompass watersheds that vary greatly in land use, watershed characteristics, population and environmental pressures.”
“For the sake of the people of Ontario, please do not amalgamate the Conservation Authorities,” commented Ed McGugan, Chair of Maitland Conservation.