Any proposals for Utopia, of course, must meet the NYCA's agenda for conserving this land. Also to be considered is the rest of the conservation authority, which is the watershed which feeds the Nottawasaga River. These 10,000 acres of land are linked to Utopia. As for the province, it can be said that conservation authorities are being treated in the same manner as every other body which receives funding. The Tory axe has been wielded everywhere, as Finance Minister Ernie Eves heads for a balanced budget in the year 2000.
Nobody can argue with that strategy.
Local residents must hope, however, that the Tories would take a little more care with their cuts to funding when it comes to the environment. Premier Mike Harris and his gang might want to remember that in this summer of air advisories, smog and excessive heat. He might also want to remember it as the Tories try for a second mandate at the polls, probably sometime in the next year. Utopia should not be left to fend for itself if partnering with the private sector doesn't work.