With the province looking to reduce the number of conservation authorities by 75%, the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) wants Northern communities to be fully engaged during the transition.
The Ford government announced plans this week to regionalize conservation authorities, cutting their numbers from 36 to nine, to reduce administrative duplication, redirect resources to front-line conservation, and modernize permitting.
“FONOM supports efforts to modernize systems that protect our watersheds and help move critical housing and infrastructure projects forward,” says President Dave Plourde. “At the same time, Northern Ontario has unique geographic and municipal realities that must be considered as these changes move forward.”
Recommendations include:
• Dedicated Northern Ontario consultation sessions;
• Clear communication regarding governance, funding, and transition planning;
• Consideration of phased or regionally tailored implementation approaches;
• Continued municipal involvement and oversight to preserve local expertise and community trust
“Local expertise and relationships are essential in the North, and any consolidation must ensure that knowledge and responsiveness are preserved,” says Plourde.
Pending approved amendments to the Conservation Authorities Act, the transition is expected to be completed early next year.
