The leaders of four conservation authorities say they are committed to transparency as they move towards an amalgamation that will bring them under the umbrella of the Eastern Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority.
“We value the local connections with landowners, community groups and member municipalities that have shaped our history and defined our individual successes,” the board chairs of the four conservation authorities said in a joint statement. “As we prepare for a future together, we are committed to navigating this moment with as much openness and transparency as possible.”
“Navigating change always brings a certain level of uncertainty.”
“However, as leaders we recognize a responsibility to look ahead to a future that can build upon our shared achievements,” the statement says.
The statement is signed by John Challinor II, chair of the Grand River Conservation Authority, Morgaine Griffin, chair of the Catfish Creek Conservation Authority, Todd Noble, chair of Kettle Creek Conservation Authority and Doug Brunton, chair of the Long Point Region Conservation Authority.
The provincial government has implemented legislation that will reduce Ontario’s conservation authorities to nine from 36 by Feb. 1 2027.
As part of the process, each conservation authority, is required to appoint two representatives – the CAO/manager and one board member – to a transition committee by June 30. The province will appoint a project executive to act as chair of the transition committee which is expected to meet sometime in the late summer.
Meanwhile, representatives of all four conservation authorities have agreed on a set of guiding principles for the transition including, accountable and transparent governance; fiscal responsibility, commitment to workforce stability and talent retention, service excellence, risk management and business continuity and watershed-based science informed management, transparency, trust and clear communication.
The principles are not listed in order of priority but all are seen as essential components of a successful transition, the statement says.
“We are committed to shaping the identity of the new Eastern Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority based on the same commitment to science, local knowledge and strong partnerships that have defined conservation authorities for over 80 years,” the statement says. “There is no doubt that this is a pivotal moment in our individual and collective histories.
“Our goal as leaders is to work with the province, staff, the public and our member municipalities to ensure that the new Eastern Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority is established on a path of continuous improvement.”
@EXPVBall
