The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) joined conservation partners across Ontario in reviewing Tuesday’s provincial announcement led by Minister Todd McCarthy and Chief Conservation Executive Hassan Basit, which provided updates on the modernization of Ontario’s conservation authority system.
Under the province's Regional Conservation Authority model, NPCA would become part of a proposed Western Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority, along with Credit Valley Conservation, Conservation Halton, and Hamilton Conservation Authority. The province has indicated that consolidation would occur gradually, with a transition period leading to implementation targeted for early 2027.
Since last fall, NPCA has remained actively engaged in discussions around proposed changes to the Conservation Authorities Act and the province’s plan to transition from 36 conservation authorities to now nine regional authorities under a new provincial governance model.
While the announcement provided additional clarity, important discussions remain ahead, and NPCA looks forward to continued engagement as the proposal moves through legislation and implementation planning. We appreciate the opportunity to participate in the transition process, bring forward the perspectives of the Niagara Peninsula watershed and share the operational experience NPCA has gained through ongoing modernization efforts.
Over the past five years, NPCA has made significant investments to modernize how we deliver conservation programs and services while continuing to provide consistent, high-quality support to the communities we serve. This includes strengthening data management systems, adopting new technologies, improving permitting tools, and ensuring policies are guided by the best available science. These efforts align closely with the province’s focus on improving efficiency, transparency, and service delivery within the conservation authority system.
NPCA remains guided by the same principles that have shaped our work for more than 65 years: integrated watershed-based management rooted in sound science, strong partnerships, and local knowledge and expertise. We remain committed to working constructively with the province, our neighbouring conservation authorities, municipalities, Indigenous partners, and interested parties to ensure any future model builds on NPCA’s strengths.
We also acknowledge the municipalities, organizations, and community members who have shared their perspectives and support for NPCA through resolutions, letters, meetings, and comment submissions. Their voices continue to play an important role in shaping the future of conservation in Ontario.
At this time, NPCA’s day-to-day operations remain unchanged. Staff will continue delivering existing programs and services across the Niagara Peninsula watershed, including conservation area operations, education programming, stewardship initiatives, planning and permitting services, and flood forecasting and warning.
NPCA will continue to keep our communities informed as more information becomes available.
QUOTES
“The NPCA of today is a modern, innovative organization that has done the work to get to this point. We’ve reduced duplication, set clear standards of service delivery, modernized our tools, and clarified our processes - all to better support the people we serve. Since last fall, we have been actively engaged in discussions with the province and our watershed municipalities to share our perspective. While the provincial announcement of the nine Regional Conservation Authorities doesn’t reflect the position of the NPCA Board of Directors, we remain committed to ensuring local voices, municipal representations, and our unique watershed continue to guide decisions.”
Board Chair, Robert Foster
“NPCA’s focus is ensuring that the communities we serve continue to receive the strong, science-based watershed management they rely on every day to keep them safe. We are committed to working collaboratively with the province, neighbouring conservation authorities, municipalities, sector partners, and interested parties to support this transition and maintain service delivery, continue to provide staff expertise and ensure the important work of NPCA continues without disruption.”
CAO & Secretary-Treasurer, Leilani Lee-Yates
About Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority:
As a community-based natural resource management agency, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority envisions a healthy and vibrant natural environment with shared greenspace and clean water for all. NPCA’s work supports the conservation, enhancement, and sustainability of healthy watersheds with programs and services that focus on drinking water source protection, flood and hazard management, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, education, and land management.
NPCA is the caretaker of 43 conservation areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation, and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture, and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.
For more info on NPCA: www.npca.ca
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Questions related to the above release should be directed to:
Erika Navarro
Communications & Marketing Specialist
enavarro@npca.ca
905-650-4027