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

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

Disposition of Property - 8 Hectare Land Parcel located at Niska Road and Pioneer Trail, Guelph

• The GRCA has entered into an Agreement of Purchase and sale to dispose of the GRCA-owned property located southeast of the intersection of Pioneer Trail and Niska Road in the City of Guelph
• The Subject Property is comprised of approximately 8 hectares (approximately 20 acres) of agricultural land. The land is legally described as Part of Lot 13, Concession 5, Geographic Township of Puslinch, now within the City of Guelph, being all of PIN 71214-0003.
• The land is currently used for agricultural crop cultivation.
• The land is designated for Medium and Low-Density Residential Use in the City of Guelph's Zoning Bylaw and Official Plan.
• The proposed disposition date is February 2027, subject to completion of all required approvals and circulation requirements.

Pursuant to Section 21(4), subsections (a)-(d) of the Conservation Authorities Act, the following Subject Property information is provided:

• Areas of Natural or Scientific Interest (ANSI):
  • None identified.
• Wetlands:
  • None identified.
• Habitats of Threatened or Endangered Species:
  • None identified.
• Forestry Developments:
  • None.
• Natural Hazard Features (per O. Reg. 686/21):
  • None identified.

Download a map of the property (190 KB PDF). Please note this document may not be accessible to people with disabilities. If you have a disability and require this document in an alternate format, please contact us.

Further information about this parcel and the Niska Landholdings is available on the Niska Landholdings webpage. 

Consultation on this disposition will take place over a 45-day period with comments due by 4:30 p.m. on October 18, 2026. 

Comments should be provided by e-mail to: property@grandriver.ca.

Disposition of Property - Cottage Lot Program Land Lease(s) at Conestogo Lake Conservation Area

• The GRCA Cottage Lot Program at Conestogo Lake Conservation Area has been in existence since the late 1950’s. The current 20-year land lease(s) expire December 31st, 2027.
• The GRCA and the Conestogo Lake Cottagers Association have agreed in-principle to lease terms for a new 20-year land lease commencing January 1, 2028. 
• The new land lease terms will affect the 399 existing cottage lots located around Conestogo Lake.

Pursuant to 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 identified.
• Wetlands:
  • • Unverified Wetlands - in/around cottage lot 170 Road 1B, in/around cottage lot 1111 Road 11N, and in/around cottage lot 1007 Road 10W
• Habitats of Threatened or Endangered Species:
  •  None identified.
• Forestry Developments:
  • None.
• Natural Hazard Features (per O. Re 686/21):
  • Erosion hazard
  • Flooding hazard
  • Hazardous lands

Download a Conestogo Lake Cottage Lot Program map (227 KB PDF). Please note this document may not be accessible to people with disabilities. If you have a disability and require this document in an alternate format, please contact us.

Consultation on this disposition will take place over a 45-day period with comments due by 4:30 p.m. on October 19, 2026.

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.

General Questions

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