ERCA Statement on Government of Ontario's Conservation Authority Consolidation Announcement

On October 31, 2025, the Ontario Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks 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). 

It is understood the Province will introduce amendments to the Conservation Authorities Act (CAA) to establish this new agency.  Further, the Province will consult on proposed boundaries for regional consolidation of Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities into seven proposed authorities, 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 were established on a watershed basis. The Essex Region Conservation Authority includes 9 member municipalities of Windsor, Essex County and Pelee Island and is accountable to these local municipalities and residents. It has been delivering programs to protect and restore the natural resources of the Essex Region since 1973.

The Province emphasized that staffing will be maintained as a result of this restructuring and committed to working with local CAs to ensure continuity of local services. ERCA will continue to deliver its local watershed management programs and services under agreement with our member municipalities, and other partners. 

This new structure is expected to roll out between late 2026 and into 2027, and more information will be shared as it becomes available.