Protecting our Conservation Authorities

During the eight months of the Coronavirus pandemic we've spent more time outdoors than in any other year of our lives. We may have paddled for the final time in 2020 (I never say never) we were out on the water nearly 50 times. We cycled a lot and we walked, too, particularly in early Spring and into the Fall. By my count we've visited nine conservation areas in three different Conservation Authorities, and an equal number of Provincial Parks.

We have been keenly aware of the restorative power of the natural world and we have expressed gratitude to God, the Creator, countless times as we've rambled about. We have certainly noticed that a great many others have chosen to head outside as well, across the generations. We are early risers so we are often alone, or close to it, but these areas and parks get busy quickly. The more popular places were sometimes closed to visitors by mid-morning because of the volume. 

We are blessed in Ontario with the number of parks and areas. The Conservation Authorities have multiple roles, not only providing recreational spaces but monitoring water levels in watersheds and ensuring that guidelines are observed to ensure the health of ecosystems.

It seems almost incomprehensible to me that the Ford government has already reduced funding to Conservation Authorities and has now introduced legislation which will curtail the activities of the 36 Authorities in the province for both water and land management. According to a release by Ontario Nature, the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) has prepared a preliminary analysis of Schedule 6, outlining the proposed changes and their implications. One of the key concerns is:

• Narrowing of the scope and powers of Conservation Authorities, impeding the achievement of the overall purpose of the CAA, which is to “provide for the organization and delivery of programs and services that further the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources in watersheds in Ontario;”

Unfortunately this is only one of a number of concerns. We should all be concerned that environmental safeguards and initiatives are being undermined by this government. Whether it is loosening protections in the Green Belt or opening up habitat for endangered species such as caribou for mining and logging,or challenging carbon reduction laws, this administration is a disaster. 

                                  Quinte Conservation -- O'Hare Mill 

We need to be vigilant as citizens and particularly as people of faith who want to honour both Creator and Creation. Here is the link to the Ontario Nature website which will guide you to writing letters to the appropriate persons in government expressing your concerns. It takes five minutes and every response matters.

https://ontarionature.good.do/conservationauthorities/send/?fbclid=IwAR3rmYhdziOPUe6IkZNMfm2rY8Mr7b3i1mZDSiuBPTA0j_sFbSa_szOX_Go#action-anchor