Lower Trent Conservation (LTC) is warning that proposed changes under Ontario’s Bill 68 could undermine local expertise and community-driven watershed programs.
The province plans to merge 36 Conservation Authorities into seven regional bodies, with LTC becoming part of the new Eastern Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority, covering 16,000 square kilometres and 47 municipalities. A new provincial Crown agency would provide oversight and coordination for the regions, reducing local control.
LTC emphasizes that municipalities currently provide over half of its operating budget, with decades of investments from local stakeholders, volunteers, and partners supporting flood forecasting, conservation areas, environmental education, stewardship programs, and watershed monitoring. The authority says centralizing these responsibilities could dilute locally tailored programs and decision-making critical to protecting communities and natural resources.
Since 2019, LTC has implemented all provincial legislative updates, modernized floodplain mapping, and conducted internal reviews to improve efficiency and reduce duplication. Staff highlight that their services already meet or exceed provincial expectations and rely on community knowledge and partnerships.
Residents, municipalities, and community partners are encouraged to review maps and proposals on the Environmental Registry of Ontario and submit feedback by December 22. LTC stresses the importance of public input to ensure local needs remain central in managing the watershed.
“These changes represent a major shift from locally guided governance to a centralized model,” LTC staff say. “Maintaining community involvement and protecting local priorities is critical to sustaining services that have supported the Lower Trent watershed for over 50 years.”
For more information about LTC programs and services, visit www.ltc.on.ca or email information@ltc.on.ca.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)