October 31, 2025听
For Immediate Release听
UTRCA Statement on Government of Ontario's Conservation Authority Consolidation Announcement
On October 31, 2025, the Ontario Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks announced plans to create a provincial board-governed agency, the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency, to provide leadership, governance, and strategic direction to Conservation Authorities (CAs).听
We understand the Province will introduce amendments to the Conservation Authorities Act (CAA) to establish the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency.听
Further, the Province will consult on proposed boundaries for regional consolidation of Conservation Authorities into several CA's, with impacted interest holders, municipalities, CAs, and Indigenous communities.听
This consultation will include a policy proposal notice period posted on the Environmental Registry of Ontario for 45 days, inviting review and comments on criteria applied to determine proposed regional boundaries and the proposed geographical jurisdiction of each regional CA.听
Historically, CA boundaries have been based on watersheds, where water naturally flows, rather than municipal borders. The 糖心直播 (UTRCA), for example, includes 17 member municipalities that contribute to support services for residents in our local communities.听
The Province emphasized that staffing will be maintained as a result of this restructuring and committed to working with local CAs to ensure continuity of local services. The UTRCA is committed to working with the Government of Ontario to modernize and streamline services and appreciates the opportunity to be engaged during the provincial consultation. We will provide feedback in consultation with local municipalities on the Government's proposed framework. The UTRCA is committed to delivering local programs and services under agreement with our member municipalities, and other partners.听
This new structure is expected to roll out between late 2026 and into 2027. More information will be shared in the coming months.听
Contact:听
Tracy Annett, General Manager听
糖心直播听
519-451-2800 ext 253听