Stop the conservation authority mega-merger

The Ford government is forcing Ontario’s 36 local conservation authorities into just seven massive regional agencies. This consolidation threatens the winter trails and outdoor spaces that keep our communities active during the long Ontario winters.

Conservation authorities maintain the trails, parks and natural areas we depend on for recreation and wellbeing throughout the winter months.

Local conservation authorities understand their communities. They know which trails need grooming for cross-country skiing, which paths need clearing for snowshoeing, and which ponds are safe for skating. They employ local staff who live in the communities they serve.

The proposed mega-agencies would span enormous distances – up to 1,400 kilometers and 78 municipalities in some cases. A conservation authority based hundreds of kilometers away won’t prioritize maintaining your local winter recreation spots.

When local agencies get swallowed by distant bureaucracies, recreational services are often the first to be cut. Your favorite winter trails for skiing, snowshoeing and hiking will lose their local caretakers who understand what your community needs.

For nearly 80 years, conservation authorities have protected Ontario’s watersheds while also maintaining the trails and natural areas we depend on. They’ve balanced environmental protection with community access to nature.

Tell Minister McCarthy: Keep conservation authorities local and protect our winter trails.

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Send a message to Minister McCarthy

I am writing to express my deep concern about your government’s plan to consolidate Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities into just seven regional bodies. Conservation authorities are essential to maintaining winter recreational opportunities in our communities. They manage the trails, parks and natural areas that keep Ontarians active and connected to nature during our long winters. Local conservation authorities understand the unique needs of their communities. They know which trails need grooming for cross-country skiing, which paths need clearing for snowshoeing, and which areas are most valued by local residents. They employ staff who live in the communities they serve and care deeply about maintaining these spaces. The proposed mega-agencies would span enormous distances – up to 1,400 kilometers and 78 municipalities in some cases. A conservation authority based hundreds of kilometers away won’t prioritize maintaining local winter recreation spots that are vital to community wellbeing. When local agencies are consolidated into distant bureaucracies, recreational services are often the first to be cut. Budget constraints inevitably lead to focusing on core mandates while “extras” like trail maintenance, snowshoeing paths, and skating areas are neglected. I urge you to: - Abandon the plan to consolidate conservation authorities into seven regional bodies - Preserve local decision-making and expertise within our conservation authorities - Ensure continued access to well-maintained winter trails and recreational areas - Consult with communities about the real impacts of this consolidation on our quality of life Conservation authorities have successfully balanced environmental protection with community access to nature for nearly 80 years. Please don’t sacrifice our winter trails and outdoor spaces in the name of centralization.

You can submit this letter as-is or change it to reflect your own priorities. Your comment will be forwarded with the subject line “Preserve local conservation authorities and protect our winter trails”, including your name, email and postal code to Minister McCarthy. You will also be added to the GPO mailing list but you can unsubscribe at any time.