Municipalities in Eastern Ontario are rallying against Bill 68, which would merge five local conservation authorities into one large St. Lawrence Regional Authority.
The mayors of Russell and Clarence-Rockland fear the loss of local expertise, a decrease in services, less autonomy and reduced representation for small communities.
South Nation Conservation is against remote governance, provincial funding reduced from 50% to 3%, and risks for French-language services. A provincial consultation period is open until December 22.