Governance

Credit Valley Conservation’s Position on the Proposed Consolidation of 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.

Read CVC’s ERO Submission.

The CVC Board is urging the Province to maintain CVC’s current governance structure and allow the organization to continue delivering the strong performance it is already demonstrating.