(File Photo by Melanie Irwin/BlackburnNews.com)(File Photo by Melanie Irwin/BlackburnNews.com)
Midwestern

Conservation Authorities concerned about impact of Provincal cuts

The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority has sent a letter to several provincial ministers as well as it's three local MPPs regarding recently announced cuts to its funding.

ABCA General Manager Brian Horner said funding for their flood-forecasting program was cut from $113,000 to $58,000 with no discussion, and similar cuts were made to all conservation authorities throughout the province.

Horner said the government considers flood forecasting a core, mandated program and so does the authority, so they will continue to deliver the program, but the funding cuts of almost 50 per cent are going to make that challenging.

Horner added they are not contemplating any staff cuts as a result of the reduction in funding, but they will have to be creative in finding new sources of funding.

Conservation Ontario, which represents the province's 36 conservation authorities, says the impacts of the cuts will be felt immediately, especially in smaller and more rural areas.

The flood management programs had previously received $7.4 million from the province, but will now be getting only half that amount.

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