The Ontario government has introduced legislation that would create a new Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency, through Schedule 3 of Bill 68. The new agency would provide oversight and strategic direction for Conservation Authorities. In addition, the province has posted a proposal on the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO 025-1257) that would consolidate the current 36 Conservation Authorities into seven Regional Authorities. The ERO posting outlines the regional boundaries and the proposed geographical jurisdiction of each regional authority. The commenting deadline for the ERO posting is December 22, 2025. Cataraqui Conservation is reviewing the ERO posting and will provide comments to the Province on the proposed changes.
Conservation Authorities deliver a range of services including natural hazard permitting and reviews, drinking water source protection, flood forecasting and warning, management of flood and erosion control infrastructure, low water response coordination, public access to conservation areas and trails, education, and implementation of restoration and resilience projects. The Province has indicated that delivery of programs and services will continue for the watershed community without disruption.
Cataraqui Conservation supports the provincial goal of improving digital services and will continue to deliver on the timely review of permit applications. We will collaborate with our neighbouring Conservation Authorities to address common challenges and ensure local communities are best served in the region.
The public can visit the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO 025-1257) and review the proposal. The Province is seeking feedback on the following discussion questions:
- What do you see as key factors to support a successful transition and outcome of regional conservation authority consolidation?
- What opportunities or benefits may come from a regional conservation authority framework?
- Do you have suggestions for how governance could be structured at the regional conservation authority level, including suggestions around board size, make-up and the municipal representative appointment process?
- Do you have suggestions on how to maintain a transparent and consultative budgeting process across member municipalities within a regional conservation authority?
- How can regional conservation authorities maintain and strengthen relationships with local communities and stakeholders?
Comments can be submitted at the ERO posting page or to ca.office@ontario.ca
The deadline for commenting is December 22, 2025.