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).
As part of this process, each conservation authority was required to appoint two representatives, its General Manager/CAO and one elected board member, to a Transition Committee by June 30, 2026. The Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency (OPCA) is overseeing the transition, including the recruitment and appointment of a Project Executive for each new regional conservation authority. The Project Executive will chair the regional Transition Committee and serve as the inaugural CAO of the new organization. On July 15, 2026, the OPCA announced that Samantha Lawson, CAO of the Grand River Conservation Authority, has been appointed to this role for ELERCA. The Transition Committee has convened and begun the process of developing the Regional Transition Plan.
The Transition Committee held its first meeting on September 15, 2026. At this meeting, the Committee reviewed the governance and planning frameworks that will guide the consolidation of the four conservation authorities, including the Regional Transition Playbook. The Playbook establishes six key work streams that will provide a consistent approach to transition planning, guide the activities of the working groups and support development of the Regional Transition Plan.
Work is underway to establish the transition working groups, including confirming their mandates, leadership, membership and key deliverables. The immediate focus is on finalizing the working group structure, initiating detailed planning activities and coordinating communications and stakeholder engagement to support a smooth transition while maintaining continuity of programs and services.
The Committee held its second meeting on October 5, 2026, with a further update to be circulated once the meeting's Progress Report has been approved.
Guiding Principles for Transition
The Guiding Principles for Transition 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.
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.
GRCA Board Reports
November 5, 2025
November 28, 2025
March 27, 2026, GRCA Board Meeting
Board Report GM-03-26-32 - Provincial Decision on Environmental Registry Posting 025-1257
April 24, 2026, GRCA Board Meeting
Appendix A - MECP Technical Briefing for Conservation Authorities
May 22, 2026, GRCA Board Meeting
Board Report GM-05-26-42 - Minister's Direction Under S.1.14 of the Conservation Authorities Act
Appendix A - Minister's Direction
June 26, 2026, GRCA Board Meeting
Appendix A - OCCE Session; Presented to Conservation Authorities