The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) Board of Directors approves the budget at the annual meeting held in February.
Spending
The GRCA's expenditures are focused on programs and projects to reduce flood damages, improve water quality, maintain a reliable water supply, protect natural areas and biodiversity, provide environmental education, operate conservation areas and trails, and manage other sensitive environmental lands.
Revenue sources
The GRCA has three main sources of revenue:
- municipal levy
- self-generated funds
- government grants
Municipal levy
Municipalities pay about one third of the annual operating costs of the GRCA. Some municipalities pay the levy out of their general budget. Others add a special charge to water bills to raise the money.
Self-generated funds
Almost half of the GRCA's funding comes from fees for services and other sources, which include:
- User fees, such as park admissions, nature centre programs, planning fees and others.
- Revenues from property rentals and hydro generation at our dams.
- Donations from the Grand River Conservation Foundation for programs such as outdoor education, tree nursery operations and various special projects.
Government grants
Government grants make up about 10 to 15 per cent of GRCA revenues, and may include:
- The Ontario government pays an annual operating grant as well as some special grants for specific projects.
- The GRCA receives occasional grants from the federal government to finance special projects.
- Some municipalities also contribute additional amounts (in addition to their levy amount) to finance specific projects or programs within their community.
Budget Package and Audited Financial Statements
Download the 2023 Budget package (2MB PDF) and the 2022 Audited Financial Statements (1MB PDF).
- Please note that our Budget Package and Audited Statements may not be fully accessible to people with disabilities. Should you require these documents in an alternate format, please contact us.
- For copies of previous budgets and financial statements, please email the Executive Assistant.