The directors of the Grand River Conservation Authority are telling the provincial government they have many concerns with the proposal to merge eight conservation authorities into one stretching from Windsor to Arthur.
It’s one part of a bigger proposal to merge about 36 conservation authorities into seven.
They said the proposals mean that municipalities will be required to provide most of the money but will have little say because the new authority will be governed by 22 people appointed by the province.
The governance of the current authorities is by municipal councillors and mayors.
They said municipalities depend on information and advice from their local conservation authorities when they undertake planning and zoning and are considering development proposals and they feel the new organization will be too large to effectively respond to them.
Directors also raised concerns about timely emergency responses to flooding.
The Grand River Conservation Authority concerns are an echo of similar concerns raised by other regions who face mergers.
