Conservation Areas Strategy

Under the Conservation Authorities Act and Ontario Regulation 686/21, every Conservation Authority in Ontario is required to prepare a Conservation Areas (Strategy).

The goal of the Strategy is to provide an integrated, high-level framework that helps guide and inform future decision-making on all GRCA-owned and controlled lands.

The objectives of the GRCA’s Conservation Areas Strategy are to:

• Manage GRCA landholdings in compliance with relevant Federal, Provincial and Municipal regulations, policies, and guidelines.   
• Consider watershed health and resilience when making land management decisions.     
• Provide sustainable outdoor recreational and educational opportunities and connections with the natural environment.   
• Enhance community partnerships on GRCA properties.
• Manage GRCA landholdings in a strategic, fiscally responsible, and sustainable way.

Public Consultation

A draft Strategy has been prepared and, at the August 23, 2024, General Membership Meeting, the GRCA board passed a motion directing staff to undertake public consultation on the draft. The public consultation period was open from August 23 - October 4.

• Read the Draft Conservation Areas Strategy (1.1MB PDF)

Public Information Centre

The GRCA will host two virtual Public Information Centres (PIC) on the draft Strategy.

• There were 2 online PIC sessions held - Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at 9 a.m. and Tuesday, September 25, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.
•  You can view the webinar on YouTube or click here to view a PDF version of the presentation (8 MB).