Over the past week, conservation authorities across Ontario have expressed growing concern about proposed legislative changes that could significantly affect watershed planning, environmental protections, and the long-standing ability of conservation authorities to safeguard Ontario’s natural resources and protect people and property from natural hazards. These statements emphasize the importance of science-based decision-making, natural hazard management, habitat protection, and the collaborative relationships that help build healthy, resilient communities, and preserve public access to greenspaces for recreation and overall well-being.
The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) held a special meeting of its Board of Directors today to review the Province’s Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) posting related to the proposed regional consolidation of conservation authorities and the creation of new Regional Conservation Authorities (RCAs). The Board met to discuss NPCA’s draft comment submission, consider potential implications for local communities, and finalize its formal response to the province.
While NPCA supports the province’s proposed investments in technology, modernization, and the standardization of processes across conservation authorities, the Board determined that the proposed RCA framework introduces significant uncertainties, creates unnecessary complexity, and poses risks to local municipal representation, local expertise, and the delivery of watershed-based programs and services. After careful review, and in consideration of the proposed criteria and boundaries, the Board does not support the creation of the proposed Western Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority.
Key concerns highlighted in NPCA’s draft ERO submission include:
- Lack of demonstrated need for restructuring: Conservation authorities have not been provided with any assessments or analyses demonstrating that Ontario’s current watershed-based conservation authority model requires structural change to improve efficiency or service delivery.
- Strong NPCA performance under the current framework: NPCA currently meets provincial permitting timelines 96 per cent of the time and continues to coordinate effectively with municipal partners and developers. The organization has significantly advanced modernization efforts, including the implementation of CityView permitting software, the forthcoming launch of an online permit portal, updated floodplain mapping, and expanded regulation mapping and open data tools. Evidence-based guidance and clear modernization goals would be more beneficial than restructuring the system.
- Scale and complexity of the proposed Western Lake Ontario RCA: The proposed RCA would span approximately 490,000 hectares across nearly two million residents and 28 municipalities. Reducing local representation from a combined 53 current board members to a smaller consolidated board risks losing diverse voices and weakening connections with local communities, partners, and long-standing watershed relationships built over 66 years.
- Complexity of merging four independent conservation authorities: Each conservation authority within the proposed RCA is its own corporate entity with its own budgets, assets, landholdings, infrastructure, reserves, and charitable foundation. Consolidating these structures would require extensive legal and financial review, result in substantial transition costs, and divert funding and staff resources away from critical watershed programs.
- Risk of increased costs: The proposed Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency (OPCA) model includes the ability of the Agency to charge back fees to RCAs and collect operating costs. Without a cost-benefit analysis confirming no net cost increase to municipalities or conservation authorities, NPCA remains concerned about budget impacts and limits on the ability to generate additional revenues.
- Potential impacts on staff capacity and service delivery: Larger regional boards, increased administrative oversight, and complex budgeting processes may reduce the capacity of expert staff to deliver the same level of watershed programming communities rely on. NPCA recommends exploring legislative and regulatory tools that could achieve modernization goals without restructuring.
- Importance of local accountability: Municipal levies currently support approximately 52 per cent of NPCA’s operating budget, compared to roughly 0.5 per cent in annual provincial transfer payments. Any future restructuring must ensure that municipal dollars, self-generated revenues, and NPCA assets remain dedicated to local communities.
Internal and External Engagement
To inform its draft ERO submission, NPCA conducted extensive engagement with staff, Indigenous partners, municipalities, and the broader conservation sector. Internally, staff provided over 53 pages of input through questionnaires and team discussions. Externally, NPCA consulted with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Six Nations of the Grand River, and Niagara Region Métis Council, and watershed municipalities, providing information, presentations, and delegations upon request. NPCA continues to collaborate with neighbouring conservation authorities and Conservation Ontario through the provincial consultation process.
Board Resolution
Following today’s discussions, the NPCA Board passed a formal resolution stating that it does not support the proposed “Western Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority” boundary configuration outlined in ERO #025-1257, citing insufficient justification, risks to local governance, and the strong efficiencies already achieved within the existing watershed-based model. The resolution further emphasizes that large-scale consolidation is unnecessary and urges the province to prioritize improved standards, sustainable funding, and collaborative engagement rather than structural amalgamation.
The full resolution will be included in NPCA’s official submission to the Environmental Registry of Ontario and shared with all relevant municipal, Indigenous, and sector partners.
Join the Conversation
As the Province considers significant changes that will shape the future of watershed management in Niagara, Haldimand, Hamilton and beyond, we encourage community members to learn more about the proposed legislation and make their voices heard. Public input truly matters, and every submission helps reinforce the impactful work of Conservation Authorities to protect and enhance our shared environment for generations to come, including the local greenspaces that communities depend on.
Click for the meeting’s full agenda package, inclusive of NPCA’s ERO comments.
Media inquiries to be directed to:
Erika Navarro
Supervisor, Communications & PR
Mobile: 905-650-4027
enavarro@npca.ca