Land Dispositions

The GRCA's Ability to Dispose of Lands

We sometimes dispose of properties that do not meet the needs of the authority. For that to happen the GRCA board must first declare the lands surplus. For example, we may buy a large property to build a dike, but only a piece of the property is required for the project. In that case, we will maintain ownership of the land under the dike, but sell the remainder. 

Land sales require the GRCA board approval and some may also require us to provide additional notification to other agencies. Read more in our Land Disposition Policy (171KB PDF)

We also enter into long term agreements (five years or greater) for properties that do not meet the needs of the authority. The majority of these agreements require public consultation and will be posted in accordance with Section 21 (4) of the Conservation Authorities Act. 

Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) rules govern how conservation authority land sales/land agreements must take place and how the public is consulted.

Acquisitions

• We acquire land to protect natural features in priority areas or to add to existing properties to expand habitat areas.
• Sometimes we buy the land at appraised market rates. In other cases, the landowner donates the property to us.
• Priority acquisition areas include the Keldon and Amaranth source areas, Luther Marsh, Roseville Swamp, Beverly Swamp and the Dunnville Marsh.
• Additional items are outlined in our Land Acquisition Policy (37KB PDF). 

Notice of Public Consultations

Notices when given, are in accordance with Section 21(4) of the Conservation Authorities Act.

Personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Personal information will only be kept for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it is collected. If you have any questions about this collection of personal information, you can contact us at 519-621-2763 or email grca@grandriver.ca.

Notice of Public Consultation

NOTICE is hereby given that in accordance with Section 21(4) of the Conservation Authorities Act, the Grand River Conservation Authority is undertaking public consultation regarding the following:

Proposed Lease: 584 Pioneer Tower Road, City of Kitchener

•      The GRCA is seeking to enter into a 15 year lease agreement on lands owned by the GRCA at 584 Pioneer Tower Road, City of Kitchener.
  
• The subject property is comprised of 13.87 acres (5.62 HA) of land and has a horse barn, riding arena, and one (1) office/residences.
  
• The property is currently used by a third-party tenant as a horse riding and boarding facility. The subject property will continue to be used as a tenanted horse riding and boarding facility. The lease is proposed to begin in October 2025.
• As per Section 21(4), subsections (a)-(d) of the Conservation Authorities Act, the following features were identified on the Subject Property:
  • Areas of Scientific Interest (ANSI): None
  • Habitats of Threatened or Endangered Species: Eastern Meadowlarks have been observed near the Subject Property. These birds typically nest in native grasslands, pastures, and hayfields, but they can also be found in alfalfa fields, weedy edges of croplands, roadsides, orchards, and overgrown open areas. They often use small trees, shrubs, or fence posts as perches for singing. Given that the property is surrounded by residential homes and a golf course, and only limited farming activity occurs on-site, it is unlikely that Eastern Meadowlarks are breeding on the property.
  • Forestry Developments: None
  • Natural Hazard Features (per O. Reg 686/21): Floodplain

Consultation on this proposed lease will take place over a 45-day period with comments due by 4:30 p.m. on August 12, 2025.

Comments should be provided by email to: propertyadmin@grandriver.ca

Please refer to the map of the subject property.

General Questions

For any general questions or comments on the GRCA land disposition process please contact property@grandriver.ca.