12/17/2025
We strongly support the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority position opposing this proposal.
As a local business operating within a conservation area, we have worked closely with MRCA staff and leadership for several years. Our experience has been defined by clear communication, local knowledge, responsiveness, and a practical understanding of the unique environmental and operational realities of Gillies Lake and the surrounding area. This collaborative, place-based relationship has been essential to operating responsibly, safely, and in alignment with conservation objectives.
We urge the Province to reconsider the proposed amalgamation and to maintain Conservation Authorities that are locally governed, locally informed, and accountable to the communities they serve.
Big changes are being proposed to Ontario’s Conservation Authorities – and your voice matters! Do you think your conservation authority should be replaced by a large, Northeastern Ontario Regional Conservation Authority reaching from Sault Ste. Marie, to Mattawa and north to Timmins?
The Province of Ontario has proposed to merge Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities into 7 regional authorities. The MRCA Board of Directors has passed a resolution and provided comments opposing the proposed amalgamation of Ontario conservation authorities. You can read the full resolution and see the concerns identified here: https://mattagamiregion.ca/proposed-amalgamation-2/
We encourage residents and partners to review the provincial proposal and provide feedback.
The public is invited to share their comments on the proposal through the Environmental Registry of Ontario (Policy 025-1257): https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/025-1257
The 45-day comment period ends on Monday, December 22, 2025.
Thank you for taking time to share your perspective on the future of watershed management in Ontario.
