Conservation officials in Huron, Lambton, and Middlsex counties are hoping to keep local conservation efforts involved in a big provincial move.
Ontario plans to consolidate its 36 conservation authorities into nine across the province, with the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority 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 ABCA would form the Lake Huron Regional Conservation Authority.
According to the ABCA, the new authority would stretch from Grand Bend in the south, north almost to Lake Couchiching, and beyond the Barrie area.
Chair of the ABCA Board of Directors, Ray Chartrand says, “We remain committed to working collaboratively with the Province and other partners while emphasizing the importance of protecting the local voice and community relationships that have long supported the stewardship of the Ausable Bayfield watershed,”
“While we understand the Province’s intention to move toward a new regional model, this nine-region approach was not one that we recommended, nor is it currently enabled through legislation or regulation. Nevertheless, we recognize that this consolidation—through merger or amalgamation—appears likely to proceed. Given that likelihood, we believe it is important to take a constructive approach and work in partnership with the Province to help ensure a smooth and effective transition.”
Chartrand says it will be important for the Province to ensure there are strong mechanisms “to ensure that rural, local, and municipal voices continue to be heard and represented.”
