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 – 5339 Eramosa-Erin Townline, Erin

• The GRCA has entered into an Agreement of Purchase and Sale to dispose of the GRCA owned property located 5339 Eramosa-Erin Townline, the Town of Erin.
• The Subject Property is comprised of 1 acre and with a residential residence (side split bungalow).
• The property was formerly part of the GRCA residential tenancy program. The property's use is anticipated to continue as residential. The proposed date of disposition is late December 2026.
• 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
  • Habitats of Threatened or Endangered Species: None
  • Forestry Developments: None
  • Natural Hazard Features (per O. Reg 686/21): None
• Download a map of the property (268 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 4:30pm on August 10th, 2026.

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

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

• The GRCA Cottage Lot Program at Belwood Lake Conservation Area has been in existence since the late 1940's. The current 20-year land lease(s) expire December 31, 2027
• The GRCA and the Belwood 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 335 existing cottage lots located around Belwood 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
  • Wetlands: 
    • Provincially Significant Wetland being part of the "Living Springs Wetland Complex" is located in/around Cottage Lot 400 on 4th Street.
    • Verified Wetlands - in/around cottage lots on 10th Street.
    • Unverified Wetlands - in/around cottage lots on 7th and 8th Streets.
  • Habitats of Threatened or Endangered Species:
    • Eastern Whip-poor-will
    • Redside Dace
    • Red-headed Woodpecker
    • Eastern Red Bat
    • Eastern Small-footed Myotis
    • Hoary Bat
    • Little Brown Myotis
    • Tri-coloured Bat
    • Black Ash
    • Butternut
  • Forestry Developments: None
  • Natural Hazard Features (per O. Reg 686/21): 
    • Erosion hazard
    • Flooding hazard
    • Hazardous lands
• Download a Belwood Lake Cottage Lot Program map (503 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 4:30pm on August 28, 2026. 

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

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.