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Saturday, September 12, 2015

Ontario Conservation Authorities Act Review Discussion Paper

EBR Registry Number:   012-4509
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Date Proposal loaded to the Registry:
July 20, 2015            

Description of Policy:

The Conservation Authorities Act, administered by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), enables two or more municipalities in a common watershed to establish a conservation authority in conjunction with the province. The purpose of a conservation authority is to deliver a local resource management program at the watershed scale for both provincial and municipal interests.

Conservation authorities have played a significant role in Ontario’s natural resource management landscape for nearly 70 years, establishing a successful legacy of resource stewardship and an impressive record of protecting people, property, and communities from water-related natural hazards (e.g. flooding, drought, erosion).

In order to ensure that the Act is meeting the needs of Ontarians in a modern context, the MNRF is seeking to engage with ministries, municipalities, Aboriginal communities, conservation authorities, stakeholders and the public to initiate a review of the Conservation Authorities Act, including addressing roles, responsibilities, funding and governance of conservation authorities in resource management and environmental protection.

The posting of a discussion paper is intended to solicit public and multi-sector perspectives on the existing legislative, regulatory and/or policy framework which governs conservation authorities and the programs and services they deliver.

This discussion paper outlines a number of ways to engage in the review and MNRF encourages all parties to participate. The discussion paper focuses on the Conservation Authorities Act and policy framework, not on any individual conservation authority.

Purpose of Policy:

The purpose of this discussion paper is to identify opportunities to improve the existing legislative, regulatory and policy framework that currently governs conservation authorities and the programs and services they deliver on behalf of the province, municipalities, and others.

Other Information:

While feedback on any aspect of the existing legislative and regulatory framework is welcome, the focus of the discussion paper is on the three overarching areas of:

1. Governance;
2. Funding mechanisms; and
3. Roles and responsibilities.

Link to the discussion paper: http://apps.mnr.gov.on.ca/public/files/er/Discussion_Paper_2015.pdf

The following weblinks provide the supporting/additional information about this notice:
• The Conservation Authorities Act
http://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90c27
• Ontario Regulation 97/04 – Content of Conservation Authority Regulations
http://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/040097
• Ontario Regulation 139/96 – Municipal Levies
http://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/960139
• Ontario Regulation 670/00 – Conservation Authority Levies
http://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/000670
• Conservation Authorities
https://www.ontario.ca/environment-and-energy/conservation-authorities

Public Consultation:

This proposal has been posted for a 91 day public review and comment period starting July 20, 2015. If you have any questions, or would like to submit your comments, please do so by October 19, 2015 to the individual listed under "Contact". Additionally, you may submit your comments on-line.
All comments received prior to October 19, 2015 will be considered as part of the decision-making process by the Ministry if they are submitted in writing or electronically using the form provided in this notice and reference EBR Registry number 012-4509.

Please Note: All comments and submissions received will become part of the public record. You will not receive a formal response to your comment, however, relevant comments received as part of the public participation process for this proposal will be considered by the decision maker for this proposal.

Other Public Consultation Opportunities:

Written comments and other feedback can also be sent directly to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry at mnrwaterpolicy@ontario.ca

Contact:

All comments on this proposal must be directed to:
Julia Holder
Policy Analyst
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
Policy Division
Natural Resources Conservation Policy Branch
Water Resources Section
300 Water Street
Peterborough Ontario
K9J 8M5
Phone: (705) 755-5905
Fax: (705) 755-1957 

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