Eastern Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority Transition
In accordance with recent changes to the Conservation Authorities Act, Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities will consolidate into 9 regional conservation authorities on February 1, 2027. Locally, Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA), Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA), Catfish Creek Conservation Authority (CCCA) and Kettle Creek Conservation Authority (KCCA) will be consolidated into what will be known as the Eastern Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority.
By June 30, 2026 each respective Board of Directors is required to appoint two representatives, the General Manager/CAO and one elected board member, to a Transition Committee. The Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency will oversee the transition and appoint a project executive to chair the transition committee. The committee is expected to convene in late summer.
The Chairs of Kettle Creek, Catfish Creek, Long Point Region and Grand River have released a Joint Statement that highlights the value of local connections with landowners, community groups and member municipalities and that each of the four CAs is committed to navigating this moment with as much openness and transparency as possible.
Guiding Principles for Transition were also adopted by the Boards of all four CAs to guide the transition.
The principles are not listed in order of priority, rather all are seen as essential components of a successful transition.
Successful consolidation will need to respect the past, while building upon shared achievements to create a unified region capable of delivering enhanced programs and services, advancing integrated watershed management and strengthening community partnerships across the region.