On behalf of the Sarnia Lambton Chamber ofCommerce, we appreciate the opportunity to provide comments on ERO Posting025-1257 regarding proposed changes to the Conservation Authorities Act,including the creation of a new provincial agency and the consolidation ofOntario’s Conservation Authorities.

Our Chamber represents businesses across Sarnia–Lambton, including builders, developers, manufacturers, agricultura lproducers, and small businesses that rely on efficient, predictable, and locally informed regulatory processes. We are concerned about the potential impacts these proposed changes may have on economic development, investment certainty, and service delivery in our region.

Of particular concern is the proposed merger of the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) into a Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority covering more than 23,000 square kilometres and81 municipalities. We believe this scale of consolidation presents significant risks, including:

· Reduced local representation and decision-making: Local governance ensures that watershed-specific issues, community priorities, and economic conditions are properly understood and reflected in decisions.

· Loss of local expertise and responsiveness: The SCRCA has long-standing knowledge of the St.Clair watershed and local land-use dynamics. This expertise is critical for timely, informed decision-making and effective collaboration with businesses and municipalities.

·Increased uncertainty and delays for permits: Builders, developers, and farmers depend on clear ,timely permitting processes. Larger, more centralized authorities risk longer approval timelines, reduced accessibility, and greater uncertainty—potentially discouraging investment and slowing housing, infrastructure, and agricultural projects.

The Chamber supports efforts to improve efficiency, consistency, and accountability across Conservation Authorities. However, we urge the province to carefully consider whether large-scale regional consolidation will achieve these goals without unintended consequences for local economies and communities. Maintaining strong local input, expertise, and service standards should be a priority in any reform.

We respectfully request that the Government reconsider the proposed consolidation model or, at minimum, ensure robust safe guards that preserve local decision-making authority, service levels, and timely permitting processes for businesses and landowners.

Thank you for considering our comments. We would welcome further dialogue on how to modernize conservation governance while continuing to support economic growth and community development in Sarnia–Lambton.

Sincerely,

Carrie McEachran, CEO

Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce