ABCA Chair urges avenues for local, rural and municipal input if Ontario turns 36 conservation authorities into nine

Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) is currently reviewing the Province of Ontario’s March 10 announcement of a plan to turn 36 conservation authorities into nine regional bodies.

Under the plan, the small, rural ABCA would be merged with five other conservation authorities, including large urban areas north of Toronto.

According to the plan, small, rural ABCA would be merged with five other conservation authorities, including larger, urban areas.

These six conservation authorities would be consolidated and form the Lake Huron Regional Conservation Authority. This region would stretch from Grand Bend to north of Barrie.

“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,” said Ray Chartrand, Chair of the ABCA Board of Directors.

“Nevertheless, we recognise 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.”

With this plan, the province would consolidate ABCA with Lake Simcoe Region, Nottawasaga Valley, Grey Sauble, Saugeen Valley, and Maitland Valley.

Despite the disappointment of this announcement, Chartrand said the changes seem likely to proceed.

“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,” he said.

According to ABCA, it will be important to ensure proposed changes don’t stifle local initiative, silence rural voices, limit local input, or harm close community relationships and productive partnerships.

One way this might be accomplished is through new proposed local watershed councils.

“Our watershed communities have long benefitted from strong partnerships and local relationships, and it will be essential that these are preserved within any new regional structure,” added Chartrand.

“Maintaining meaningful local input will help prevent unintended consequences of the proposed changes and ensure that rural and agricultural perspectives remain a vital part of watershed management.”

According to Chartrand, there should also be transition working groups with representation from the provincial government, conservation authorities, municipalities and other stakeholders.

Despite the announcement, it will remain business as usual at ABCA.

Following a consultation process, the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks acknowledged the concern that local voices would be lost with this consolidation.

The Minister made clear that the provincial government understands the importance of local decision-making not getting lost in this transition.

ABCA will continue to review the impacts of the provincial government’s proposed plan and may provide future updates.

The Minister said new regional conservation authorities should be in place by early 2027.

Residents may visit the abca.ca website for future updates.