Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) approves five-year Strategic Plan

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) recently approved its 2025-2029 Strategic Plan. The Plan reflects the Authority’s priorities, values and ongoing commitment to innovation, stewardship and collaboration with watershed municipalities, First Nations, government agencies and the community. It provides the organizational framework to help address the emerging issues of the Grand River watershed over the next five years.

“The Grand River watershed continues to grow and evolve,” says John Challinor II, GRCA Chair. “With population growth, escalating impacts of climate change and increasing pressure on natural systems, the four strategic pillars provide clear direction, aligning the GRCA with its legislative mandate and strengthening collaboration with watershed municipalities and residents, First Nations and Indigenous communities.”

The refreshed Strategic Plan is the result of a collaborative process, engaging the GRCA Board and Senior Leadership Team, as well as First Nations (Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation) at key stages in its development. In addition, engagement that has taken place with interest holders over the past several years as part of the GRCA’s work to meet the requirements of legislative and regulatory changes implemented by the Province was also taken into consideration throughout the process.

Further details about the Strategic Plan and its implementation over the next five years were included in the June 27, 2025 GRCA Board report. The Strategic Plan’s pillars and priorities are consistent with the new legislative framework, and a new pillar related to organizational sustainability is introduced, ensuring the GRCA is ready to face the challenges and opportunities of the future.

“Our updated plan establishes a solid foundation for sustained growth and innovation beyond 2029,” says Samantha Lawson, GRCA CAO. “It will help ensure the Authority remains adaptable, future-focused, and well-equipped to meet evolving municipal, community and watershed needs.”

The five-year Strategic Plan outlines that the GRCA will continue to play a leading role in flood management, with strong systems and updated tools to protect people, property, and infrastructure. It responds to concerns about aging infrastructure and rising maintenance costs by committing to stronger asset management, prioritizing the care of critical assets, and making long-term investments in the GRCA’s built infrastructure. The Strategic Plan also places a stronger focus on continuous improvement and service delivery and focuses on building internal capacity. Moreover, the Plan responds to calls from Indigenous partners for deeper, ongoing engagement by recognizing the importance of incorporating Indigenous knowledge and values into watershed planning and stewardship.

The GRCA’s 2025-2029 Strategic Plan was approved by the GRCA Board at the May 23, 2025, Board meeting. It will be reviewed and updated as needed to reflect shifting realities and priorities, and progress will be reported to the GRCA Board and the community on an annual basis. More information about the 2025-2029 Strategic Plan can be found on the Governance webpage of the GRCA’s website.

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Media Contacts:

Serena Catania, GRCA Supervisor, Communications and Marketing

Phone 519-621-2763 x2240  |  Email scatania@grandriver.ca

Lisa Stocco, GRCA Director of Strategic Communications and Environmental Education

Phone 519-621-2763 x2316  |  Email lstocco@grandriver.ca