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 a transition plan.
In July, 2026, the Chairs, Vice Chairs, and General Managers/CAOs of the four conservation authorities issued a Joint Statement on the conservation authority amalgamation, and 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.
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