The Ontario government has announced finalized plans to consolidate the provinces' 36 conservation authorities into nine regional conservation authorities.
“Ontario’s improved approach would feature watershed-based regional conservation authorities operating under consistent provincial standards, modern tools and strengthened capacity – delivering stronger watershed management, flood resilience and better support for housing and infrastructure growth,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “We listened and used feedback from last fall’s consultations to refine and strengthen our plan, including optimizing regional boundaries to better reflect local needs, knowledge and relationships.”
The move will combine the Essex Region Conservation Authority, the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority, the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority, and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority into the Western Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority.
“Today marks a milestone for conservation in Ontario. By building a modern, more unified system, we’re protecting local expertise while supporting front-line programs that communities rely on,” said Hassaan Basit, Ontario’s Chief Conservation Executive. “The Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency would lead a smooth, well-supported transition, ensuring conservation authorities have the tools and resources they need every step of the way to deliver effective watershed management programs, meeting the needs of today and the future.”
The consolidation of the conservation authorities will be completed by the beginning of 2027.
The Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency will be granted $3 million a year to assist with the transition.
