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The Ford government plans to merge conservation authorities from 36 to 9 by 2027. In the region, the Conservation of the South Nation and the Raisin Region will be merged under the St. Lawrence River Regional Conservation Authority. The province says the reform will allow for more consistent services, less administrative duplication and make it easier to build housing and infrastructure. However, environmental groups fear a loss of local expertise and a weakening of protection against flooding and environmental risks.