Proposed Boundaries for the Regional Consolidation of Ontario’s Conservation Authorities
The Province of Ontario has introduced significant changes to the Conservation Authorities Act, including the creation of the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency (OPCA) and the proposed consolidation of 36 conservation authorities into seven regional bodies. While CVC supports CA modernization and consistent service standards, these proposals raise serious concerns about local governance, watershed-based science, and municipal accountability.
CVC is a high-performing conservation authority with strong partnerships, advanced digital systems, and proven expertise in natural hazard management. Consolidation risks disrupting these strengths, reducing local representation, and creating costly, complex transitions without clear evidence of benefit. We believe modernization goals can be achieved through enhanced provincial coordination, not amalgamation.
Our position is clear: any restructuring must preserve municipal decision-making, protect conservation lands and public greenspace, fully fund transition costs, and maintain uninterrupted delivery of critical watershed services. CVC will continue to advocate for solutions that safeguard our communities, environment, and the integrity of Ontario’s watershed-based model.
ERO Submission: CVC Response to Posting #025-1257
Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) appreciates the opportunity to comment on Ontario’s proposal to consolidate 36 Conservation Authorities (CAs) into seven Regional Conservation Authorities (RCAs). This submission provides evidence-based feedback intended to support sound policy development, protect public interest, and ensure effective watershed management.
CVC does not support consolidation as proposed. While consolidation may improve equity and service delivery in some regions, the proposed boundaries introduce significant governance, financial, operational, and service-delivery risks for high capacity conservation authorities like CVC that are effectively supporting safe, sustainable growth.
Before proceeding with consolidation, the Province is encouraged to fully evaluate whether modernization goals could be achieved through enhanced provincial coordination, standardized approaches, and digital integration delivered through the new Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency (OPCA), without restructuring the existing CA network.
CVC’s Board-approved ERO Submission
Have your say on the regional consolidation of Ontario’s Conservation Authorities by sharing your comments through the Environmental Registry of Ontario by December 22, 2025.
Read CVC’s Board-approved submission to the Environmental Registry of Ontario posting 025-1257.
You can also review CVC’s Board Report: Response to Provincial consolidation proposal under Bill 68 Under Bill and Environmental Registry Posting 025-157.