On October 31, 2025, the Ontario Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks (MECP) 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).
We understand the Province will introduce amendments to the Conservation Authorities Act (CAA) to establish the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency.
Further, the Province will consult on proposed boundaries for regional consolidation of Conservation Authorities into several CAs, with impacted interest holders, municipalities, CAs, and Indigenous communities.
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.
Conservation Authorities (CAs) have always worked collaboratively with member municipalities to champion local solutions that respect watershed boundaries. With each reiteration of the CAA, Kettle Creek Conservation Authority (KCCA) has always emerged stronger and more resilient to the benefit of our local watershed residents, our municipalities, and our shared natural environment.
Together with our member municipalities and Board of Directors, we will review the details of the Province’s proposal to establish regional CAs and provide thoughtful, evidence-based feedback. Our focus will be to ensure that under any new framework, we can continue to deliver the same responsive, locally informed programs and services that our watershed communities depend on.
In the meantime, it remains business as usual for watershed protection, permitting, and conservation area operations. KCCA will continue to deliver high-quality programs and services that protect people, property, and the environment.
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Elizabeth VanHooren
General Manager
519-631-1270 x222