GRCA reports on Strategic Plan and progress on planned actions

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) shared its first annual update on the organization’s Strategic Plan at the January 23, 2026, General Membership Meeting. The organization’s 2025 – 2029 Strategic Plan was approved by the GRCA Board in May 2025.

As part of the plan’s implementation, the GRCA established key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor progress and provide a structured framework to evaluate the organization’s success in achieving its strategic goals.

“Substantial progress has been made in initiating planned actions, building the systems required for ongoing measurement, and positioning the GRCA to continue advancing our strategic priorities in the years ahead,” says Samantha Lawson, GRCA CAO.

The plan outlined four key pillars:

1. Protecting life and minimizing property damage from flooding and erosion;  
2. Improving the health of the Grand River watershed;  
3. Connecting people with the environment through outdoor experiences; and
4. Building a future-oriented organization.

This annual update highlights the progress made in implementing the plan, based on data collected to the end of October 2025.

“This past year has been one of strong momentum,” says John Challinor II, GRCA Chair. “Despite uncertainty, we remain resilient and focused. In the year ahead, our efforts will turn from laying the groundwork to delivering lasting, measurable progress across our strategic priorities.”

Since the plan’s approval, most of the actions scheduled to begin have been started with key foundational work underway.

Progress under Pillar 1 has focused on strengthening flood and hazard management through updated floodplain mapping, dam safety reviews, emergency preparedness planning, and modernization of the permitting processes. Under Pillar 2, work has advanced on updating the Grand River Water Management Plan, source protection planning, watershed stewardship programs, and wastewater optimization, with strong collaboration among municipalities, provincial and federal partners, and First Nations. Pillar 3 implementation emphasized improving visitor experiences and educational programming through infrastructure upgrades in conservation areas, development of operating and accessibility plans and the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and land-based learning into some curriculum-based school programs. Pillar 4 focused on strengthening organizational capacity through human resources initiatives, cybersecurity improvements, digital modernization, asset management planning, and the establishment of a partnership with the University of Waterloo to help with measuring GRCA’s carbon footprint.

The organization is experiencing a typical first year of implementation, with limited ability to show measurable outcomes versus activity. However, as each year of implementation passes, more meaningful trend analysis will be possible. While there are factors outside of the GRCA’s control that may influence the pace and sequencing of the plan’s implementation, work throughout 2026 will focus on advancing major watershed initiatives and preparing for potential provincial restructuring while maintaining continuity of services.

More information about the GRCA’s 2025 – 2029 Strategic Plan and progress on planned actions can be found in the January 23, 2026, board report.

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Media Contacts:

Lisa Stocco, GRCA Director of Strategic Communications and Environmental Education
Phone 519-621-2763 x2316  |  Email lstocco@grandriver.ca

Serena Catania, GRCA Supervisor of Communications and Marketing
Phone 519-621-2763 x2240  |  Email scatania@grandriver.ca