From Windsor to Dundalk: Is proposed conservation authority ‘too big, too quick’?

The provincial government wants to rework Ontario’s conservation system. CTV’s Jeff Pickel finds out what that could mean for the Grand River Conservation Autho

Plans to merge some of Ontario’s conservation authorities are raising concerns.

A bill that could change the face of conservation efforts in the province received royal assent last week. Ontario Bill 68 contains a portion that would see the province’s 36 conservation authorities reduced to just seven organizations. Those organizations are responsible for managing and protecting watersheds and natural resources and warning the public about any potential hazards in their area, such as flooding.

Under proposed boundary changes put forward by the province, the lands currently served by the Grand River Conservation Authority would instead be the jurisdiction of a new organization called the Lake Erie Conservation Authority. That organization would be responsible for more than 350 km stretching between Windsor and Dundalk.

During a Grand River Conservation Authority Board meeting last week, officials said the merger is meant to establish greater central leadership, efficiency and strategic direction.

Board members acknowledged a need to modernize and create a more standardized system.

“The goal, I think, is to stabilize conservation authorities across Ontario,” Mayor of North Dumfries Township Sue Foxton, who sits on the board, said. “Some [conservation authorities] don’t have the finances to fund the expertise.”

She said while larger conservation authorities, like the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA), have a budget of around $40 million, other smaller groups do not.

“Bringing the [conservation authorities] that are struggling into the GRCA, or let’s find a way that we can share our professionals with them, to help bring them up to the level that we all need to be at,” she said.

Many board members and GRCA top officials said the proposed size of the Lake Erie Conservation Authority is concerning.

During the Nov. 28 meeting, GRCA chief administrative officer Samantha Lawson said having people who understand the local landscape is crucial.

“Effective watershed management is rooted in the deep understanding of community needs and local knowledge,” she said.

Lawson said she believes the plan from the province “risked distancing the watershed from the community it serves.”

Haldimand County councillor Dan Lawrence, who also sits on the GRCA Board, is hopeful the province can fine tune the plan.

“I think there’s some very good dialogue with regard to an agreement that change is needed,” he said. “I think at this point, many are in agreement this is too big, too quick.”

Lawrence said it appeared the province is set on making major changes, but hopes there will be some flexibility.

“Definitely, it’s moving forward very quickly, but they are listening to us, I believe. I want to be optimistic.”

Currently, the GRCA oversees roughly $1 billion in infrastructure and is responsible for 50,000 acres of land.

The next GRCA board meeting is set for Dec. 12.

The province is collecting feedback about the proposed boundaries for Ontario’s conservation authorities until Dec. 22.