Eastern Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority Transition
In accordance with recent changes to the Conservation Authorities Act, Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities will amalgamate into 9 regional conservation authorities on February 1, 2027. Locally, the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA), Catfish Creek Conservation Authority (CCCA), Kettle Creek Conservation Authority (KCCA), and Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) are preparing to merge into what will be known as the Eastern Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority (ELERCA).
By June 30, 2026, each respective conservation authority 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 (OPCA) 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 the four conservation authorities have issued a Joint Statement on the conservation authority amalgamation, and have also approved the Guiding Principles for Transition, which outline seven high-level principles intended to guide the transition:
- Accountable and Transparent Governance
- Fiscal Responsibility
- Commitment to Workforce Stability and Talent Retention
- Service Excellence
- Risk Management and Business Continuity
- Watershed-Based Science Informed Management
- Transparency, Trust and Clear Communication
The principles are not listed in order of priority. Rather all are seen as essential components of a successful transition.
For the GRCA, there are no immediate changes to governance structure, programs, services, or day-to-day operations. The GRCA remains focused on continuing to deliver the programs and services our communities rely on while actively participating in the transition process and ensuring the GRCA's interests are represented throughout the discussions.