Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) acknowledges the announcement by the Government of Ontario on October 31 outlining its intention to introduce amendments to the Conservation Authorities Act to establish a new provincial agency to provide leadership, governance and strategic direction for Ontario’s conservation authorities. Further, the Province will consult on proposed boundaries for regional consolidation of Conservation Authorities. The Province of Ontario news release is online at news.ontario.ca.
HCA remains fully committed to delivering its core programs and services — including protecting people and property from natural hazards, managing watershed lands and recreational trails, supporting drinking-water source protection, and providing environmental education and public access to nature. These will continue without interruption.
While the full details of the proposed changes are still being developed, HCA will work with Conservation Ontario, which represents Ontario’s conservation authorities, in the coming weeks to provide input into the proposal. The Province has indicated that a 45-day public consultation will be held on the Environmental Registry of Ontario regarding the proposed regional consolidation of conservation authorities. This will provide the public, local municipalities, and other stakeholders an opportunity to review and comment on the proposed changes.
“As we review the province’s proposal, our focus remains on collaboration, continuity, and strong service delivery for the people we serve,” said Brad Clark, Chair of the HCA Board of Directors. “HCA will continue to work closely with our partners and the Province to ensure the ongoing protection of our natural areas and the important programs that our community relies on every day.”
HCA will continue to monitor information from the Province as the consultation process moves forward and will share updates when available.
