Doug Ford should conserve Ontario’s conservation areas

Premier Doug Ford is renowned as an avid cottager in Ontario’s gorgeous Muskoka.

How wonderful for him and his family that they have access to deep, cool forests and tranquil lakes in a world-famous region where the magical cry of a loon can transport you to the closest thing to heaven on Earth.

But while no one should begrudge the premier owning his small piece of paradise, his happy experience should convince him the natural world he loves should remain accessible to other Ontarians.

And that includes the millions of people who can’t afford even a week’s rent for a cottage in Muskoka, people who might instead find a welcome refuge in one of Ontario’s amazing conservation areas.

This is why Ford should immediately clarify his government’s plan to curtail the activities of Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities, including those in their conservation areas. If the Progressive Conservatives have any idea of cutting the recreational activities enjoyed by so many people, they should think again. And back off.

The people running these conservation authorities and the general public have just cause in fearing the fall of yet another PC budgetary axe. On Aug. 16, Environment Minister Jeff Yurek sent a one-page letter to every provincial conservation authority telling them “to refocus their efforts on the delivery of programs and services related to the core mandate.”

This wasn’t just ministerial whim. Recently passed legislation demands compliance on the part of the conservation authorities. What’s being demanded still isn’t clear. But musings by Minister Yurek that recreation programs could be at risk left the conservation authorities feeling stunned. And threatened.

Yurek suggested the conservation authorities had exceeded their core mandate, which includes conservation, managing natural hazard risks such as flooding, managing authority-owned land and protecting drinking water sources.

He listed activities such as zip lining, maple syrup festivals and wedding permits as things the conservation authorities could do without. But where should they start and stop?

Many conservation authority officials understandably fear they’ll be forced to scale back or eliminate popular programs such as camping, swimming, canoeing and skiing.

We’re sorry to say, this looks like a vintage Progressive Conservative hit-and-run. Act before thinking. Announce doomsday is coming. Then have the discussion. And then, after unleashing massive disruption and upheaval, start over.

The conservation authorities say they were blindsided by the environment minister’s letter. They say they had no prior consultation. That’s disgraceful.

And they understandably feel galled by the fact that a government that provides barely eight per cent of their budgets is trying to run, and ruin, their show.

Forcing the conservation authorities to save a few loonies could cost them millions. That’s because the recreational activities offered by these authorities generate vital revenues. For instance, $15.4 million of the revenue that will help the Grand River Conservation Authority cover its $35 million budget this year will be self-generated and includes user fees.

Conservatives should conserve. As soon as possible, this provincial government should confirm the beloved recreational programs and activities offered by the conservation authorities will continue as they are.

If Ford believes his slogan that he’s “for the people,” he should realize these conservation areas mean a lot more to the people of Ontario than his buck-a-beer. And the poor can’t afford a cottage in Muskoka.