Ontario is working to provide conservation authorities with more flexibility to address growing environmental pressures, while also improving accountability and oversight through proposed legislation.
The legislation would make changes that stem from a two-year review of Ontario’s Conservation Authorities Act.
The changes would strengthen oversight and accountability over conservation authorities, increase consistency in roles and responsibilities, and improve collaboration and engagement with local communities.
Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry Kathryn McGarry made the announcement Wednesday at the Grand River Conservation Authority.
"Our government is committed to supporting conservation authorities and the valuable work they do for our communities," says McGarry. "Together we can ensure that our conservation authorities continue to deliver the important local services that communities have come to rely on."
If passed, the legislation would enable the government to conduct program and operational reviews; update the board member appointment processes; clarify the roles of conservation authorities and the scope of their programs; and provide the government with the flexibility to update conservation responsibilities to deal with emerging challenges.
"Conservation authorities have a long and successful history in watershed management in Ontario," says Dick Hibma, chair of Conservation Ontario, in a news release. "Throughout the years, they’ve worked with the province and other levels of government, as well as many agencies and citizens of Ontario. We’re proud of the results of this work and look forward to continuing collaboration for healthy watersheds and people."