Whereas the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has posted Environmental Registry Notice No. 025-1257 proposing the consolidation of Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities into seven regional entities, including the creation of a new “Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority”, with the consultation period for the proposal ending on December 22, 2025;
Whereas the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) Board of Directors has adopted a formal resolution outlining significant concerns with the proposed “Lake Erie Region” boundary configuration, citing issues related to geographic coherence, local accountability, transition costs, service continuity, and the unique hydrological and environmental characteristics of the Essex Region;
Whereas the Town of Essex places a high priority on effective watershed management, timely permitting, coordinated hazard mitigation, and the protection of local residents and property from flooding, sheet flooding, shoreline erosion, and other natural hazards; and
Whereas it is essential that municipalities understand the potential impacts of the proposed restructuring on front-line services, local permitting, environmental protection, and long-term watershed planning in our region.
Now therefore be it resolved that Council invite the Essex Region Conservation Authority’s leadership—including the CAO and/or senior technical staff—to attend the December 1, 2025, or December 15, 2025, Regular Meeting of Council to provide a comprehensive briefing on Environmental Registry Notice No. 025-1257 including:
- The potential impacts on the Essex Region;
- Anticipated changes to permitting, timelines, governance, and service delivery;
- Local watershed-specific concerns including flooding, sheet flooding, stormwater flows, watershed outlets, and Lake Erie shoreline erosion; and
- Any opportunities for municipal collaboration or advocacy during the Environmental Registry Notice No. 025-1257 consultation period.