Pictured: Morrison Dam, which is within the ABCA's watershed | Photo by B. Shakyaver
Ray Chartrand, Chair of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) and councillor for the Municipality of Huron East, is encouraging residents to share their feedback on the Ontario government’s proposed changes to conservation authorities.
Chartrand told myFM about the proposed changes.
But what would this mean for the ABCA?
Chartrand explained that while the province says local services and staff would remain the same, many questions remain about how the changes would work in practice.
The ABCA supports the government’s goals of improving efficiency, like digital permitting systems and consistent policies, but Chartrand said these improvements can be achieved without changes.
Residents and municipalities can submit their comments on the proposed changes until December 22nd. Chartrand encouraged people to take part.
The ABCA board has already submitted a letter and resolution to the province and will continue meeting with government officials to get answers to outstanding questions. Chartrand said the key message they want the province to hear is the importance of maintaining local conservation authorities with local governance to ensure services remain effective.
Residents can find more information and submit their feedback through the ABCA website or Facebook page.