Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) is carefully reviewing the Province of Ontario’s proposal to merge Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities into 7 large organizations under a new provincial agency (ERO Posting #025-1257). Public consultation is open until December 22.
For over 80 years, Conservation Authorities have operated on a local watershed-based model because water and ecosystems do not follow municipal boundaries. This approach ensures that flooding, erosion, and water quality are managed where they occur — locally. GSCA believes this principle must remain at the heart of Ontario’s environmental stewardship.
The proposed changes raise serious concerns for GSCA, starting with the potential loss of local dollars and decision-making. Conservation Authorities were originally created by municipalities, and GSCA currently relies on a mix of self-generated revenues (50%) and contributions from local municipalities (43%). Centralizing governance could erode local accountability, reduce rural representation, and even result in local funds leaving the area. This shift would fundamentally change the relationship between municipalities and their Conservation Authority, weakening the ability to make decisions that reflect local priorities.
GSCA is also deeply concerned about the impact on its lands. Many properties were donated or sold by residents with the expectation of continual local stewardship. Transferring these lands to a distant regional body could undermine donor trust, municipal agreements, and the long-term care of these properties. These lands represent a legacy of community commitment, and losing local oversight would jeopardize that trust and stewardship.
Another major risk is service disruption. Large-scale amalgamation would divert resources away from essential front-line services such as flood forecasting, permitting, and agricultural stewardship — services that are increasingly critical in the face of climate-related hazards. Programs tailored to local needs would become harder to deliver, and added layers of bureaucracy would limit the ability of staff to respond quickly and complete work efficiently.
Finally, the transition itself would introduce significant cost and complexity. Shifting governance, administration, IT systems, and land management would increase expenses and bureaucracy without any clear benefits. To date, no cost-benefit analysis, feasibility assessment, or proposed governance structure has been provided, leaving municipalities and residents without clarity on how these changes would improve outcomes.
GSCA supports modernization efforts, including streamlined digital permitting, policy and guidance standardization, and efficiency improvements. However, these goals can be achieved without dismantling local governance through amalgamation. Maintaining local decision-making while improving processes is the most effective way to ensure accountability, trust, and service delivery.
GSCA remains committed to delivering vital programs that protect and enhance communities across Grey and Bruce Counties. These include flood forecasting and warnings, watershed monitoring, guiding development away from natural hazards, and safeguarding municipal drinking water sources. The organization also promotes environmental stewardship through tree planting, sustainable forest management, and funding for agricultural landowners to support best management practices. Education remains a priority, with initiatives that inspire residents of all ages to learn about and connect with the local environment and beyond. The organization also manages nearly 29,000 acres of land, providing recreational opportunities while preserving these natural spaces for future generations.
Healthy watersheds are the foundation of safe communities and strong local economies. GSCA encourages residents and partners to share feedback before December 22 at: https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/025-1257.
