Halton Mayors Oppose Proposed Changes to the Conservation Authorities Act

Today the four Halton mayors jointly signed a letter to the Premier and Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks asking them to stand down from proposed changes to the Conservation Authorities Act that were tucked into the budget bill. Three of the mayors, from Burlington, Milton and Oakville, also serve on the board of Conservation Halton.

Among the concerns are new sections that could remove or significantly hinder the ability of conservation authorities to protect development from natural hazards; and that the changes will create more red tape and costs for the conservation authorities, their municipal partners, while causing delays in the development approval process.

“These changes would hurt residents if housing is allowed to be built on flood plains - and who’s going to pay? It will be our local taxpayers picking up the bill for events that could have been prevented,” said Gord Krantz, Mayor of Milton.

“These proposed changes favour developers at the expense of public health and safety,” said Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette.

“These proposed changes reverse previous assurances from the government not to interfere with the critical role of Conservation Authorities to protect human life and property from flooding and extreme weather. These protections were put in place after Hurricane Hazel, but with the reality of Climate Change are as necessary as ever,” said Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward.

“The government would be undoing their own heritage of former Progressive Conservative premiers George Drew, who created Conservation Authorities, and Lesley Frost, who strengthened them,” said Oakville Mayor Rob Burton.

Our letter and complete details outlining concerns with the proposed changes is attached. Contact information is below.

Sincerely,
Gord Krantz, Mayor of Milton
Rick Bonnette, Mayor of Halton Hills
Marianne Meed Ward, Mayor of Burlington
Rob Burton, Mayor of Oakville

For more information please reach out to the following media contacts:
City of Burlington: John.Bkila@burlington.ca and mayor@burlington.ca
Town of Halton Hills: Mayor Rick Bonnette
Town of Milton: executiveservices@milton.ca
Town of Oakville: Christine.Davis@oakville.ca and mayor@oakville.ca