The Ontario government has introduced legislation to create a new Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency, designed to provide oversight and strategic direction for Conservation Authorities across the province. At the same time, a proposal posted on the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO 025-1257) recommends consolidating the current 36 Conservation Authorities into seven regional authorities.
If approved, Cataraqui Conservation would merge with Mississippi Valley, Rideau Valley, South Nation, and Raisin Region Conservation Authorities to form an 18,500-square-kilometre St. Lawrence Regional Conservation Authority, headquartered in Cornwall.
Residents are encouraged to review the proposal and consider the programs and services they currently access through Conservation Authorities, reflecting on how these could operate under the regional model. Feedback can be submitted through the ERO posting page or by emailing ca.office@ontario.ca.
The public comment period closes on December 22nd.
(By: Tim Baltz)