Ontario Taking Next Steps to Improve Conservation Authorities

March 10, 2026

Since announcing our plan to improve Ontario’s conservation authority system last fall, we have consulted extensively and used this feedback to strengthen our plan.

We are now ready to move forward with the consolidation of Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities to create nine new regional conservation authorities by early 2027.

By consolidating conservation authorities with new independent oversight by the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency, we are enabling more streamlined, consistent and improved service delivery while maintaining strict environmental standards.

Ontario’s improved approach would reduce administrative duplication, redirect resources to front-line conservation and modernize permitting to deliver stronger watershed management, flood resilience and better support for housing and infrastructure growth.

Regional conservation authorities would continue to operate as independent, municipally governed organizations and fulfill their vital role in managing watersheds and protecting communities from floods and natural hazards.