Changes to conservation authorities in Ontario
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority will follow closely Ontario’s proposed changes affecting local watershed management and conservation authorities
Public will have chance to review and comment on proposed changes when proposal is posted on Environmental Registry of Ontario; Proposal includes plan for new Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency (OPCA) and ‘regional, watershed-based consolidation of conservation authorities’
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) is following closely proposed changes, announced by the Province of Ontario, that would affect conservation authorities and local watershed management. Proposed changes include a provincial plan for a new Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency (OPCA) and “ ... regional, watershed-based consolidation of conservation authorities.”
The Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) announced, on October 31, 2025, that Ontario plans to create a new conservation authority agency “ ... to improve service delivery and protect communities.”
The Province of Ontario news release is online at news.ontario.ca.
Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, and Hassaan Basit, Chief Conservation Executive, held a press conference, about the proposed changes, on October 31, 2025. The live-streamed video is on the Government of Ontario Announcements channel on YouTube.
Ray Chartrand is Chair of the ABCA Board of Directors. He said the local conservation authority is reviewing the Minister’s announcement. The Board, representing 12 member municipalities, will hold a special meeting to discuss the Province’s proposal.
ABCA will also work with Conservation Ontario, which represents Ontario’s conservation authorities, in the coming weeks to provide input into the proposed changes.
The public, local municipalities, and other stakeholders will have a chance to review and comment upon Ontario’s proposal when it is posted on the Environmental Registry of Ontario in the coming days. The Province has said there will be a 45-day consultation on the changes, when introduced.
“The Province has said they look forward to input on their proposal. That is encouraging,” Chartrand said. “We hope people provide input to the government and that the government listens to that input. We appreciate that the Province of Ontario continues to recognize the need for conservation authorities to deliver the programs and services that we deliver today. The Province wants conservation authorities to continue our mandate. That mandate is to continue to protect Ontarians from natural hazards such as flooding and erosion, to protect municipal sources of drinking water, and to manage conservation lands, trails and recreational and educational facilities.” It is also encouraging the Province has said any approved changes will not reduce staffing levels, he said.
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority supports continued close work with the Province to streamline approvals and response times and to deliver services efficiently, Chartrand said. At the same time, he said changes need to be practical. The work of conservation authorities needs to continue to be science-based and continue to be based on management of resources at the local watershed level. Conservation authorities also need to continue to be locally responsive to maintain the relationships and partnerships that benefit our communities here in rural Ontario today, he said.