Conservation Authority says it supports modernization
The chair of the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) says the vital services they’ve provided for 50 years will continue.
Lana Mitchell is commenting after the province announced plans to consolidate 36 conservation authorities into nine regional groups, with the board saying it supports modernization and is calling for the protection of local expertise and services.
“Work on flood forecasting and warning, precipitation and climate monitoring, watershed protection, drinking water source protection, on-site sewage system approvals, and the review and issuance of permits for development in flood-prone areas, and planning reviews has to be done, and our staff do it very well,” says Mitchell, in a release.
Officials say protecting property and human lives by reviewing development in flood-prone areas and hazard lands is more important than ever, due to impacts of climate change.
They say NBMCA’s work touches every municipality and watershed community in the region, and the Board is committed to ensuring that level of service is maintained through any transition.
“The board and I are pleased that the province has clearly stated there will be no job losses or staffing changes as a result of this consolidation,” says Mitchell. “In Northern Ontario, recruiting and retaining specialized environmental professionals is already a significant challenge. Our experienced staff are a valuable asset, and it is essential that they are able to continue providing the strong, locally responsive services our communities depend on.”
The board also echoes the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities’ call for Northern consultation before the changes are implemented.
Pending approvals, the transition is expected to be completed early next year.
Richard Coffinhttps://www.mynorthbaynow.com/Richard Coffin has been a reporter and news anchor on the radio in North Bay for over 25 years. From premiers to people in the neighbourhood, he enjoys connecting with newsmakers and writing stories that matter to area listeners on a variety of topics including healthcare, education, politics, sports and more.
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