Protecting Our Environmental Assets Through Local Voices

At a recent Council discussion, we spent time looking at proposed provincial changes that could significantly reshape how conservation authorities operate across Ontario.

Conservation authorities have long been locally governed and largely municipally funded. This model has allowed communities to protect watersheds, manage flood risks, and respond to environmental needs in ways that reflect local priorities and conditions, while keeping costs predictable for taxpayers.

Under proposed provincial legislation, the Province is considering creating a new Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency and consolidating the existing 36 conservation authorities into just seven large regional bodies. Council recognizes and supports goals such as improving consistency, modernizing systems, and sharing services where it makes sense. However, there are real concerns about what this level of consolidation could mean for local representation, decision-making, and municipal costs, particularly since funding responsibilities under the new model remain unclear.

Council is asking the Province to slow the process and extend timelines to allow for meaningful consultation with municipalities, conservation authorities, and residents. Decisions of this scale deserve thoughtful discussion, transparency, and input from the communities that will be most affected.

We are also calling for the development of a green paper to guide future conversations about watershed management, stronger local representation in any new governance structure, and, if consolidation does move forward, a model that includes more, smaller regional conservation authorities rather than just seven large ones.

Protecting our environmental assets requires local knowledge, strong partnerships, and decisions made with care. Council will continue to advocate for a balanced approach that safeguards both our environment and the voices of our communities.

Residents can learn more and watch the deputation by viewing the Committee of the Whole discussion from January 12.

By being engaged and sharing information, we can create real, lasting change. Together, we build momentum, break down barriers, and create results for Ward 6.

with gratitude,

Kelly Broome
Councillor, Ward 6
Town of Newmarket