The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority board says the province’s plan to merge Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities into seven regional bodies would weaken local accountability, expand bureaucracy and slow frontline services.
The issue was the focus of a special board meeting on Nov. 20, called to address the government’s proposal under Bill 68, the Plan to Protect Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2025. The plan includes creating an Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency and redrawing boundaries so the LTVCA would be absorbed into a new Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority. That proposed region would combine eight conservation authorities and 81 municipalities, representing about 2.2 million people.
Board members expressed concern that a region of that size would dilute the voice of local municipalities. The LTVCA currently has representation from all 10 of its member municipalities, but under the proposed structure, decisions would be made for dozens more. The board said this scale would make it harder to maintain efficient local permit approvals, environmental services and direct support for residents, builders and developers.
The LTVCA argued that the province’s goals of consistent service delivery, shared services and digital modernization can be achieved within the existing watershed-based model. The authority highlighted recent improvements in customer service, transparency, data systems and administrative efficiency, noting that these upgrades were completed while keeping levy increases minimal.
The board also pointed to the unique conditions within its watershed, including large diking and pumping systems that support both rural and urban communities. It said these needs differ significantly from those of larger urban areas that would fall under the same regional authority.
In a unanimous resolution, the board formally opposed the proposed Lake Erie regional boundary configuration. It said the consolidation would create an unwieldy administrative structure, reduce local accountability, increase transition costs and risk delays for applicants seeking permits or project approvals.
The board urged the province to consider a more focused model that would be geographically coherent, cost-effective and locally accountable, and called for the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to consult directly with Lower Thames Valley municipalities before finalizing any boundaries or legislative changes.
The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority board of directors is set to meet next on December 11, 2025.
The province’s Environmental Registry posting on the proposal (ERO #025-1257) is open for public comment until Dec. 22, 2025, here.
