The Government of Ontario is proposing significant changes to the Conservation Authorities Act aimed at modernizing and centralizing the conservation authority system. This includes the creation of the new Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency (OPCA). The

The province is also proposing to consolidate the current 36 conservation authorities into 9 regional conservation authorities.

The province has indicated the goal of the restructuring is to streamline operations, improve consistency in service delivery, and enhance coordination across regions, while continuing to support watershed management, natural hazard mitigation, and environmental protection.

According to the province, this may mean more resources for front-line services, faster permit approvals, modern science delivery, and consistent standards and use of modern technology, to name a few.

OPCA is a proposed provincial body that would provide centralized leadership, governance, and strategic direction for Conservation Authorities across Ontario.

An RCA is a proposed larger, regional organization that would bring together multiple existing Conservation Authorities under a single governance and administrative structure.

If approved, NPCA will become part of the proposed Western Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority (WLORCA), along with Hamilton, Conservation Halton, and Credit Valley Conservation Authorities. This means that over the next year or so, NPCA will work closely with these organizations and the province to plan a smooth transition into the new regional structure.

OPCA has already been established, and the broader amalgamation is now confirmed as the proposal received Royal Assent on April 24, 2026.

Consolidation would be implemented in phases beginning in early 2027, with transition committees established throughout 2026 and transition plans due February 2027.

Yes. According to the province, the areas currently served by Conservation Authorities will continue to be served. If proposal is approved, the Niagara Peninsula watershed will continue to be served by the Western Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority.

Yes, protecting natural areas and managing conservation lands will remain a core responsibility. According to the province, Conservation Authorities will continue to manage their lands and trails and provide access to green spaces, recreation, and education programs.

No. According to the province, Conservation Authorities will continue to deliver key programs and services, including source water protection, natural hazard management, and watershed management.

For now, there are no immediate changes to NPCA’s programs, services, or operations. Local offices, conservation areas, and staff teams will continue to serve the community as usual. The focus during this transition is to ensure that local knowledge, priorities, and watershed-focused decision-making continue to guide NPCA’s work, while integrating administrative and operational functions into the regional model.

Maintaining consistent, high-quality local service is a priority throughout the transition. Communities will continue to work with the same local teams they rely on today, and there are no planned reductions to front line services.

There are no changes to permits, regulations, or day-to-day services at this time. Through these changes, the province intends to provide faster permit approvals and improve coordination through a single digital permitting platform (planned over time). Services, programs, and permitting will continue uninterrupted as planning for transition progresses toward early 2027. Until any changes are implemented, all permitting processes remain the same.

There are no confirmed changes to fees at this time.

OPCA will coordinate the transition, providing resources, tools, and guidance. Each new Regional Conservation Authority (RCA) will have a Transition Committee, made up of the CAO and one municipally elected board member from each predecessor CA.

A Project Executive—who may serve as the future CAO for up to 24 months—will oversee the process. Using a transition playbook with templates and best practices, each committee will develop and implement step-by-step plans to integrate key functions such as HR, finance, assets, and IT.

The province plans to introduce more amendments to the Conservation Authorities Act (CA Act) and will continue engagement with Conservation authorities, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and all other stakeholders.

Transition planning is expected to involve collaboration with municipalities, staff, and partners, with updates shared as more information becomes available.

No. According to the province, Conservation Authorities will continue to receive funding as they currently do and will remain independent, municipally governed organizations.

Regional CAs will remain municipally governed organizations.

Under the proposed regional model, NPCA would become part of WLORCA. Governance would remain municipally led, but board structure and oversight would be updated:

• Participating municipalities would appoint board members based on population.

• Upper-tier and single-tier municipalities would lead appointments.

• A minimum of one Watershed Council per RCA would provide local input, including Indigenous voices, agricultural and development perspectives, and watershed expertise.

For detailed provincial guidance, see the Government of Ontario's Media Backgrounder on Conservation Authority governance.

Following the municipal elections in October 2026, newly elected upper-tier municipal councils would select the first Board members for the new RCA prior to the targeted amalgamation date.

As part of the proposed changes, RCAs will be required to establish one or more Watershed Councils to help ensure local knowledge continues to guide decision-making. These councils will provide input on local priorities for watershed-based programs and services, helping to inform decisions made by the RCA’s municipally appointed Board. Membership is expected to reflect a range of local perspectives, which may include Indigenous representation, as well as agricultural, development, and watershed expertise.