Pictured: Morrison Dam, which is within the ABCA's watershed | Photo by B. Shakyaver
The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) Board of Directors has formally opposed Ontario’s plan to create large regional conservation authorities. The board approved a letter and resolution at its meeting on November 20th.
The provincial proposal would merge seven conservation authorities—including ABCA, Maitland Valley, Saugeen Valley, Grey Sauble, Nottawasaga Valley, and Lake Simcoe—into a single “Huron-Superior Regional Conservation Authority” covering 80 municipalities, stretching as far north as Thunder Bay.
The ABCA board says the proposed regional authority would be too large and complex, combining northern municipalities with rural areas where agriculture is the main economic activity. The resolution says this could cause delays, loss of trust, and weaken local knowledge and relationships that ABCA relies on to serve its community. Local governance, the board says, allows ABCA to respond quickly to local needs.
ABCA Chair Ray Chartrand stated the authority supports the province’s goals of consistency, modernized digital permitting, and cutting red tape for home building. However, he said these goals can be achieved by strengthening local conservation authorities rather than creating a massive regional body.
The board is asking the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to work with municipalities and conservation authorities directly before making any final decisions.
ABCA encourages residents, municipalities, and partners to review the proposed boundaries on the Environmental Registry of Ontario and submit comments before the consultation closes on December 22, 2025. The full letter and board resolution are available on ABCA’s website.
The ABCA board will also provide formal feedback to the province through the consultation process. Stay tuned this week for our interview with ABCA Chair Ray Chartrand.