On behalf of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, I am writing to express significant concerns regarding the proposed consolidation of Ontario’s conservation authorities under Bill 68 and the Environmental Registry of Ontario Posting #025-1257 which proposes to consolidate the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority (LRCA) into a region 1,500 kilometres from the Lakehead Watershed with 72 other southern Ontario municipalities.
The LRCA has served northwestern Ontario for over seven decades, delivering essential programs such as flood forecasting and warning, source water protection, natural hazard mapping, and stewardship initiatives. Our authority is uniquely positioned as the only conservation authority in northwestern Ontario, with deep local knowledge and strong partnerships with eight member municipalities.
The proposed amalgamation of LRCA into the Huron-Superior Regional Conservation Authority raises several critical issues:
Loss of Local Governance and Representation
Consolidation would dilute local decision-making, disconnect LRCA from local municipal councils, and diminish the ability to prioritize regional issues unique to northwestern Ontario.
Financial Risks
Consolidation would mean a loss of control over budgets and future levies, absorption of LRCA’s reserves and deferred funds – which have been generated through local levies and fundraising – into a regional pool, and increased costs for local municipalities due to higher staff pay scales and other administrative costs unrelated to local watershed issues.
Service Delivery and Continuity
LRCA consistently meets provincial standards for permitting and program delivery, often exceeding expectations. Consolidation risks impairing efficiency and responsiveness, particularly given the proposed region spans 1,300–1,500 km from our jurisdiction.
Impact on Community Engagement
Local stewardship programs, education initiatives, and partnerships with First Nations and community organizations could suffer under a centralized governance model.
For these reasons, the Chamber strongly opposes the proposed consolidation. We support the recommendation that the LRCA form a stand alone independent Regional Conservation Authority, as the “Northwestern Ontario Regional Conservation Authority” to ensure that the interests of Northwestern Ontario are equitably represented.
We urge the Province to reconsider the proposed boundaries and governance model to preserve the integrity and effectiveness of conservation efforts in our region.